Eagles collect first-ever boys' soccer playoff win

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 19, 2008 2:00 AM

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The wait is over.

Wayne Christian finally has its first postseason triumph in boys' soccer.

Gregory and Bradley Yelverton handled the offensive chores in a 3-0, opening-round victory over Cape Fear Christian in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 1-A playoffs. The duo combined for two goals and an assist during the rain-soaking, 80-minute affair Friday afternoon.

The shutout victory erased the bitter memories of last year's first-round, penalty-kick shootout loss to Kerr-Vance Academy.

"The kids really deserved it," said Wayne Christian coach Daryl Anderson. "They played hard (all season) to get a good seeding for the playoffs. We finally got the monkey off our back."

But the seventh-seeded Eagles (15-7 overall) started out sluggish. They couldn't connect passes on offense and had no midfield presence against 10th-seeded CFCA, which was making its third straight postseason appearance.

Neither team controlled possession, but Wayne Christian caught a break in the 16th minute. Gregory Yelverton, a sophomore, got loose for a one-on-one against keeper Jake Turlington in the penalty area. Yelverton ripped a right-footed shot toward Turlington, who dove and redirected with his left foot toward the post.

Teammate Courtney Byrd tried to clear the ball, but it slipped back into the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 advantage. Anderson's squad protected the lead the final 24 minutes of the half.

"At halftime, I told them we had not scored," said Anderson. "We wanted our guys, when they got the ball, to relax and take a look around to see what options they have before the next play.

"I said we need to put the ball in the net."

The Eagles did in the second half. Wayne Christian used the open space, communicated better and collected two goals for its effort.

Bradley Yelverton scored off Gregory's assist in the 57th minute, and the duo hooked up again in the 67th minute. Bradley sent a thru ball to senior Josh Powers, who passed off to Gregory Yelverton. Seconds later, Yelverton notched his 17th goal of the season.

"When we score first, we play well and that takes the pressure off (us)," said Anderson. "The guys begin to think we can play with these guys, and I can see the momentum change."

Wayne Christian keeper Chase King stopped four of CFCA's six shots. It was the Eagles' ninth shutout of the season.

"I knew this year we were going to be a decent team," said Anderson, who graduated eight seniors, including seven starters a year ago. "I thought our team was going to be slow, but they've surprised me. I've got a really quick defense.

"Our offense, when they play good and smart together, they do well. I really felt confident we could win that first (playoff) game."

And a long-awaited, sweet win it was.