BOYS' SOCCER: Golden Falcons edge Cougars, 1-0

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on September 7, 2016 1:48 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- Possession and pace.

Charles B. Aycock's varsity soccer team controlled both Tuesday evening against county rival Goldsboro, ultimately registering a 1-0 victory on a postcard-inspired evening along Highway 117 north.

The particulars of the match were equally picturesque.

Throughout the opening stanza, CBA worked fluidly on the Cougar's half of the pitch -- advancing on goal from a breathless, seemingly never-ending attack formation.

Time and again, the hosts chipped balls over Goldsboro's midfield. They played crosses and headers into the box.

Long touchline runs were the norm.

But until a 39th minute one-timer by Coe Jordan, Aycock's strategy was silenced by the remarkable play of Goldsboro keeper Chandler Patrick. The junior pipe tender was electric in the first half, turning away seven of eight powder blue shots on goal.

Patrick ably handled corners, throw-ins and crossing attempts. He cleared traffic in front of goal with precision and gathered a litany of dangerous 50-50 balls in the box.

And twice during the seventh minute, as Aycock's pace was nearing its zenith, he stoned a relentless Sean Doulin from point-blank range.

On the evening, Patrick saved 14 of 15 CBA attempts.

"He saved our butt," Goldsboro head coach Chad Lewis said. "We've been talking about him coming off that line more, and it paid off tonight."

Until the 39th minute, when Doulin deftly dribbled Patrick out of position and assisted Jordan's blast into the corner net.

Aycock 1, Goldsboro 0.

For the Cougars, the glancing blow was deflating. For the hosts, it was proof positive their game plan held merit.

"We wanted to spread them out and play our game... keep possession," CBA head coach Cory Worrell said. "Their keeper was excellent."

The second half brought more of the same.

Aycock continued in attack mode, launching seven more shots on goal, but operated out of a pace that was much more deliberate. Defensively, they broke up Cougar runs with double teams along the touchline and worked to disconnect every available passage through the midfield area.

Goldsboro played with grit throughout, but had its best chance to score in the 79th minute denied by the gloves of sophomore keeper Skyler Landers.

As the final whistle sounded, both teams gathered at midfield to celebrate an exacting, intense duel.

"Just like when we were at their place, they gave us a fight," Worrell said. "Give credit to them."

The loss moved Goldsboro to 0-5-3 on the season. Aycock, which plays host to Big East 3-A power Wilson Hunt this evening, moved to 3-2-0.