Warriors fend off pesky Saints

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 2, 2008 1:48 PM

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DUDLEY -- For the second time this season, Eastern Wayne had just enough in the tank to top county rival Southern Wayne on the soccer pitch.

The Warriors scored two second-half goals and escaped with a 3-1 decision in Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference play.

"We were able to get some guys open late in the game," said Eastern Wayne head coach Jorg Wagner. "We missed some opportunities early ... probably should have made a few more shots than we did, but to Southern Wayne's credit they played well."

Eastern Wayne's Richard Riddle opened the scoring in the 27th minute on an assist from Alex Henson.

The Saints tied the game in the 38th minute when Jesus Rodriguez was awarded a penalty kick because of an Eastern Wayne handball inside the 18-yard box. The score was Rodriguez's sixth goal of the season.

"We scored to tie it, but we missed a lot of other chances too," said Saints coach Scott Underhill. "When you get the opportunity for a one-touch blast in front of the net, you have to put it in."

Southern Wayne started the second half strong, but momentum shifted to the Warrior sideline in the 54th minute.

The same way the Saints benefited from a handball in the first half, they were penalized in the second half. Riddle buried the penalty kick to give Eastern Wayne a 2-1 lead.

"They (Southern Wayne) were trying to push the ball up and maintain the numbers in their end," said Wagner. "We were able to make some runs late and create chances because it was hard for them to get back."

Nick Baker capped the scoring with a goal in the final minute of regulation. Henson recorded his second assist on the play.

"I tell the team all the time, we have to work on our consistency," said Underhill. "Whether it's during the season, or in the offseason, we have to work to get better."

Southern Wayne (2-7 overall, 1-4 ECC) continues league play Monday at Wilson Beddingfield. Eastern Wayne (4-5, 4-2) steps outside the ECC for a home match today with North Lenoir.

"We still need to work on our individual aggressiveness," said Wagner. "It's hard to judge sometimes in the formation we play, because the wings have to adjust and play up. It's not easy to make that adjustment on the fly."