2A soccer playoffs: East Duplin eliminates Goldsboro

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on November 5, 2015 1:48 PM

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A first-ever playoff game in school history and a resilient goal keeper gives the Goldsboro High soccer program hope for next season.

The Cougars suffered a 4-0 loss to East Duplin in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 2-A playoffs at Cougar Stadium.

Goldsboro head coach Terry Walls stood speechless after the game.

"I don't know what to say," Walls mustered. " The only thing I can say is, playing against a veteran team (Panthers) and the fact they are normally used to making the playoffs, this is something a Goldsboro team hasn't done.

"I've been here for 35 years, and I've never even seen them make the playoffs. So for that, I am really proud of these kids and where they have come from."

The Cougars (11-10-0 overall) defended the midfield at the start of the game, but the Panthers' offense proved to be too much as East Duplin junior Charlie Barrera penetrated the defense for the game's first goal. Senior Adams Canales drove to the goal and scored 14 minutes into the first half.

Goldsboro junior Ruben Quiroz and senior Jesus Quiroz fought for another game in the playoffs. They drove to the goal during first-half play, but were unable to score for the Cougars.

Freshman Aaron Podbielski and junior Aaron Seate attempted second-half drives and powerful kicks, but there was no answer for Goldsboro.

Freshman Brandon Avila and Barrera both scored for the Panthers with 30 minutes remaining.

Scoring stopped.

Goldsboro sophomore goal keeper Chandler Patrick scooped up a Panthers' kick halfway through the second half, jumped for a catch with 17 minutes remaining in the game and dove for his final stop as time ran down.

Patrick recorded seven first-half stops and 10 second-half stops.

"It could've been nine to nothing," Walls said. "I can't say enough things about Chandler Patrick. You couldn't ask for anybody to give you any more effort than him. That's the way Chandler is. I can't really say enough good things about Chandler."