ST. PAULS – Junior Pierce Melvin and sophomore Jake Evans fired in two goals each to lead East Bladen to a 7-1 Three Rivers Conference men’s soccer victory over St. Pauls Wednesday night.
The Eagles scored first when junior B. J. Monroe was taken down in the box in the 22nd minute. Senior Caleb Hatchell buried the penalty kick past the keeper.
Seven minutes later Pierce Melvin banged in a rebound of an Eagle miss from ten yards out. Evans scored the third Eagle goal of the half in the 35thminute.
“Jake took a long throw-in from Gabe (Barber), beat 2 defenders and placed his shot low in the back side netting,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “It was a very nice throw and an amazing finish.”
In the 55th minute, Monroe delivered a pass to junior Irvin Hernandez who turned to beat a defender and nailed a shot past the keeper from 24 yards out.Eleven minutes later Melvin sent a pass to Evans who knocked in the shot from 8 yards out.
Two minutes later Evans boomed a corner kick to Melvin who booted a left-footed shot into the net from 7 yards out for a 6-0 East lead.
After St. Pauls scored in the 69th minute, East Bladen answered 5 minutes later. “Jacob (Barber) drove the baseline, cut the ball back and sent a low cross to his brother Gabe who was streaking through the box and finished from 3 yards out,” said Raynor.
“The guys played very well tonight,” continued Raynor. “They moved much better than Monday and looked comfortable. We played together and were able to log a lot of minutes for a lot of our guys who aren’t always starters and regulars.”
Melvin totaled 2 goals, an assist and 15 steals for the Eagles, while Evans finished with 2 goals, an assist and 14 steals. Gabe Barber added a goal, an assist and 13 steals. Monroe dished out 2 assists.
Juniors Keshaun Davis and Greyson Heustess came up with 12 steals each, and Ezequiel Arteaga had 11 steals. Goalie Spencer Scott had 2 saves in the game.
“We didn’t really have any wasted shots,” continued Raynor. “Their keeper had several diving saves, a kick save and we nailed the posts and crossbar about a half dozen times. Proud of the way we played tonight.”
The Eagles sit atop the Three Rivers with a perfect 8-0 league record and 13-1 overall mark. East Bladen travels to South Columbus Monday for a 5 p.m.game.
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