Fleming does job in goal, Warriors get rain-shortened win

By Allen Etzler
Published in Sports on September 4, 2014 1:48 PM

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aetzler@newsargus.com

With its top two goalkeepers out with injuries, Eastern Wayne turned to Ryan Fleming within the past week.

He more than surpassed the expectations of coach Jorg Wagner.

Fleming used aggressive and, at times, risky play to make five saves and preserve the Warriors' rain-shortened, 5-0 shutout over county foe Goldsboro on Wednesday evening.

"He did a great job for just learning the position," Wagner said. "Our assistant coaches did a great job getting ready in just one week. We're going to need him to play like that for a little while until we get healthy."

Eastern Wayne first-string keeper Brandon Fossett is out with a broken finger for at least two more weeks.

After more than a week off since a loss against Spring Creek, the Warriors (1-2-0 overall) looked like a completely different team. They possessed the ball for much of the game and used tic-tac passing to dissect the Cougars' defense and score three goals in the first 15 minutes.

"Tonight we were able to work the ball around and play faster than we have in our first two games," Wagner said.

Victor Kokiko scored a hat trick for the Warriors. Christian Anderson had three assists and a goal. Jose Perez added a rocket of a goal in the middle of the first half.

Kokiko and Anderson developed tremendous chemistry pushing forward for the Warriors. Kokiko worked well with one of the Warriors four new players, Alex Matute Acosta, at the striker positions to create 13 shots on frame in just under 60 minutes of play.

Joining Matute Acosta as the new players are Carlos and Rodrigo Luviano, and Mario Perez. Each impressed Wagner in their tryouts after they transferred a week into the school year. They've brought depth and balance to the Warriors, who hope to build on this strong performance.

"They've all been able to help us and they're going to bring a lot to the team once we get going in conference play," Wagner said.

A natural defender who played striker in the Warriors' last game, Henry Nelson proved impressive against the Cougars.

"Henry was phenomenal tonight," Wagner said. "He has a lot of qualities that would make him a good striker, but he plays very well with his size and athleticism in the back on a wing ... He pushed forward very well tonight and made a lot of runs that we haven't seen him make before."

Jonathan Stevens had six saves for the Cougars, who fell to 1-3-0. They will take on Charles B. Aycock on Monday. Eastern Wayne plays host to South Lenoir on Friday.