Soccer -- Chargers record another shutout

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on September 26, 2004 2:00 AM

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AHOSKIE -- State-ranked Wayne Country Day exploded for four goals within a 12-minute span and dispatched Ridgecroft 4-0 in a Classes 1-A/2-A Coastal Plains Independent Conference match Friday afternoon.

The Chargers (9-2-1, 2-0 CPIC) collected their third straight shutout this week and outscored the opposition 20-0. They have yet to allow a goal in CPIC play.

Ridgecroft, ranked No. 4 in the latest N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association poll, stumbled to 6-3-1 overall and remained winless in conference play.

"The first half we were sluggish, weren't communicating, weren't winning 50-50 balls in the air and attacking the ball," second-year Wayne Country Day coach Michael Taylor said. "I stressed communication at halftime and being more aggressive."

The teams continued on the scoreless tie track until the 65th minute.

Sophomore Sam Steed notched a goal off David Wilson's assist. Five minutes later, Steed assisted Will Futrelle for a 2-0 advantage.

"I felt like once we got that one goal, we would get another goal," Taylor said. "I just had that feeling."

But the Chargers didn't stop.

Hyo Won Ha headed in a goal off a corner kick from senior Kevin Logan in the 74th minute. Futrelle tallied his second goal, a floating shot from 18 yards out, with about three minutes remaining in the game.

"It was unbelievable," said Taylor. "Logan, the second half, was a totally different ball player. The team looked entirely different in the second half. They found a burst of energy, and played with heart and dedication to get a win."

Freshman keeper Ryan Ford recorded 15 saves.

"My defense is playing the best they've played the entire year," Taylor said.

But that defense is due for stern tests Tuesday against Kerr-Vance Academy and Thursday against No. 1-ranked Greenfield, the four-time defending NCISAA champion.