Eastern Wayne-Hunt soccer
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 16, 2011 1:47 PM
Coaches generally consider non-conference games as extra practice sessions and use them as preparation for the league portion of their season.
In that case, Eastern Wayne has a few kinks to iron out on the pitch with its Eastern Carolina 3-A opener just 15 days away.
Eric O'Brien punched in four goals and dished out two assists as perennial powerhouse Wilson Hunt claimed a 12-0 victory at Little Big Horn on Monday evening. It was the season opener for both teams.
"I think it's a call back to reality for us. (We've had) some strong practices and a really nice showing in the jamboree against local competition where we were able to knock the ball around and maintain possession," said Eastern Wayne head coach Jorg Wagner. "The difference tonight was the enormous team speed that Hunt has with and without the ball. They were able to move the ball around us."
An eastern playoff semifinalist in 2009 and 2010, Hunt collected three goals in the first 11 minutes. The visitors held a 6-0 advantage at halftime, and had eight different players scratch in either the scoring or assist column.
Hunt attempted 40 shots.
"That type of pressure, we won't be able to deal with for a little while," said Wagner. "We have to go back, work on moving the ball more quickly, more efficiently, more accurately and hope that it's enough for our conference. Hunt hasn't lost a step from last year.
"You compare last year's match to this year and it's about the same, and we ended up doing well in the conference. At this point, I'll take it."
Eastern Wayne keeper Jordan Ferguson notched 13 saves in his first outing between the posts. Backup goalie Nate Rice played the final 14 minutes and stopped three Hunt shots.
Wagner benched five players, including four starters, for disciplinary reasons. His Warriors managed three shots on goal against Hunt keepers Andrew Sorrell and Juan Anguiano, who combined for the shutout.
"It was a little shock and awe in the first five minutes because we're down two goals," said Wagner. "At that point, as a player, realistically you understand it's not going to end up well. We showed our age a little bit (tonight).
"Altogether, it was a rather forgettable effort today."