Austin Powell

staff writer

The soccer team has had a challenging start to this year’s season. They have won two out of the five non-conference games so far, and the team has had some problems due to key players getting injuries.

GAME: September 8 vs. Northern Guilford Nighthawks

RESULT: 6-1 (loss)

HIGHLIGHTS:

In the Cougars’ first conference game, they lost to a determined Nighthawk team. The Nighthawks scored early in the game and that goal seemed to demoralize the Cougar team. The Cougars’ only goal was from a penalty kick made by junior Ryan Stanley. By halftime, Rockingham was down five to one.

The Cougars came out much more determined and physical in the second half. Unfortunately for the Cougars, senior Jorge Preciado got an automatic red card because of an accidental handball. Senior Clint Holcomb and sophomore Pierce Moore both got a yellow card for being too physical. The Cougars only allowed one goal in the second half to a skilled Nighthawk team.

GAME: September 11 vs. Northeast Rams

RESULT: 2-1 (loss)

HIGHLIGHTS:

Northeast Rams scored in the first five minutes of the game, but the Cougars were not intimidated. Seventeen minutes later, Pierce Moore scored a goal of his own. This goal sent the Cougars into halftime tied, 1 to 1.

In the second half, the Cougars defense played well, and so did their goalie, Taylor Witty. Taylor Witty had an incredible twelve saves against the Rams. But, with fifteen minutes left to go in the game, the Rams scored. This proved to be a vital goal and turned out to be the game winner.

GAME: September 17 vs. Dudley Panthers

RESULT: 5-2 (win)

HIGHLIGHTS:

The Cougars came out strong against the Panthers, and their hard work paid off. Within only six minutes, the Cougars took the lead with a goal scored by junior Ryan Stanley. Senior Keenan Withers scored nine minutes later for his first goal of the season.

Sophomore Jason Davis took a hard hit from the goalie and was rewarded a penalty kick. Ryan Stanley blasts this penalty into the back of the net for his second goal. The Cougars lead three to one at halftime.

Sophomore Pierce Moore scored two goals within eight minutes. This pushed the Cougars lead to 5-1. However, an error from Rockingham’s defense allowed the Panthers to score from a penalty kick.

OVERALL: 3-5

CONFERENCE: 1-2