Lethal duo leaves mark at Eastern Wayne

By Rob Craig
Published in Sports on June 10, 2007 2:02 AM

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At first glance, it would seem hard to believe that Sam Frazer and Natalie Taylor are two of the top soccer players in Eastern Wayne history.

Neither has the most imposing figures. But, despite their small stature, they been a lethal duo during their varsity career.

Frazer and Taylor combined to score 44 of the Warriors' 65 goals. Overall, the all-Eastern Carolina Conference selections accounted for all but three of the team's total -- assisted or unassisted.

"The two add up to a very good single player," said Eastern Wayne coach Jörg Wagner. "Sam is very good with the feet ... a very technical, deliberate player. Natalie is very fast and explosive and reads the game quite well.

"The two could always put up big numbers on the scoreboard."

Frazer and Taylor certainly accumulated eye-popping statistics and honors. Frazer, a four-time recipient of the program's Golden Boot award, set an Eastern Wayne record by scoring 78 career goals -- including a record-tying 24 goals and 13 assists in 2007.

Taylor notched 70 career goals, including 19 this past spring. She dished out eight assists and joined Frazer as a four-time, all-ECC honoree.

Now, they have another accolade -- the 2007 News-Argus Women's Soccer Co-Players of the Year.

"They made it pretty simple to coach," said Wagner.

Due to their talent and scoring ability, Eastern Wayne made four consecutive appearances in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A playoffs. They led the Warriors to the third round on two occasions.

The teammates' success can be traced back to sixth