Knights score in second overtime, slip past Chargers

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 6, 2010 1:47 PM

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New-Argus Sports Writer

Wayne Country Day took archrival Greenfield to the limit for the second time this season.

The Knights, for the second time, walked off the field with a 2-1 victory.

The win gave Greenfield (11-7-1 overall) a firm grasp on second place in the Coastal Plains Independent 1-A Conference at 6-1-0. Wayne Country Day (10-7-1) dropped to 4-2-1 in conference play, and both teams trail league-leading Ahoskie Ridgecroft in the standings.

"There have been times this season where I was upset with how this team has carried itself, but not today," said Chargers' head coach Michael Taylor said. "I though my guys gave it all they had, but came up short in the end."

Wayne Country Day jumped out in front during the 33rd minute when Bryce Creger collected a long pass from Tucker Pearson and fired a shot past the Knights' keeper.

The Chargers held the advantage throughout the first half.

Both teams missed point-blank scoring chances early in the second half before settling into a midfield battle. In the 69th minute, Greenfield finally broke on to the scoreboard.

Mark Dundanell collected a crossing pass from Jordan Sharpe and promptly slid it into the low right corner of the Chargers' net. With the new-found momentum on their side, the Knights controlled possession the rest of the game.

A scoreless 10-minute overtime period set up a second session as skies grew dark.

Greenfield broke the 1-1 tie in the 95th minute.

Sharpe found a loose ball off a shot by teammate Sam Hughes. Turning to his right, Sharpe hammered a shot into the net. The final five minutes passed without incident as the visitors were content to play defense.

"I think they just had that much more left in the tank at the end of the ballgame," said Taylor. "I hate it for my guys because they played as hard as they could and played really well."

Cody Neal finished with seven saves for the Chargers. Greenfield closed the game with a 16-5 advantage in shots on goal.

Wayne Country Day will enjoy an extended break before traveling to Faith Christian of Rocky Mount on Oct. 14.