Hawks slip by Cougars in ECC 2A soccer

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on October 15, 2015 1:48 PM

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Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades -- and goal posts.

Goldsboro junior striker Ruben Quiroz attempted 12 shots against conference rival North Lenoir on Wednesday evening at Cougar Stadium, but the goal posts were unkind as the Cougars fell to the Hawks, 3-1.

"I thought we played hard. We had a lot of nice shots, but we just couldn't stick it in the back of the net," Goldsboro head coach Terry Walls said. "I've got him (Quiroz) down for probably about 12 shots. He had some shots (that) ordinarily he'd put in there, but they just didn't come back."

However, Quiroz scored midway through the second half.

Or did he?

The striker kicked to his left, sending the ball past the goal -- through a hole in the net.

The referee ruled the goal "good." North Lenoir fans yelled at the official, and Hawks head coach Donell Garris received a yellow card when he asked the assistant referee if they checked the goals before the game.

"I don't know how that got there," Walls said. "Because I checked that thing before the game, but it must've got loose or something."

The Hawks' players showed no concern as they kept a steady lead over the Cougars.

Junior forward Reed Parris scored off of a throw-in four minutes into the first half. Senior midfielder Jaylin' Lynch and freshman forward Braxton Greene both scored off of throw-ins during second-half play.

"They're (Hawks) a really good team," Walls said. "They're very physical. They (Cougars) expected that. It's not the first time they've played them.

"I'm still disappointed. I felt like we could've done better especially after some good games earlier this week."

Goldsboro returns home Monday to play Kinston.