The Trojans continue to stay hot with the 5-3 win over SSS to close out the regular season. Garner, winners of 7 of their last eight matches, clinch 3rd place in the GNRC and qualify for the 2008 NCHSSA play-offs. The night includes a halftime recognition of the Senior athletes from the Class of 2009. The game was rescheduled from Sept. 16th due to a weather cancellation.
The Trojans (9-8) start fast with two quick shots in the first two minutes but its SSS tallies with two goals to put the Trojans down 2-0 at 7:55. Dave Mbula's goal is disallowed for an offside call at 9:38 and Dillon Creech makes two great blocks at 13:43 and 14:15 to keep things close. Matt Wescoe's blast careems off the cross bar as the Trojans apply pressure throughout the half. Senior goalie Drew Gay makes a fantastic save at 15:21. Wescoe breaks the ice at 16:31 on a penalty kick cut the margin to 2-1. The Trojans out-shoot the Spartans 16-7 in the period. Mbula shot deflects off the post and Luke Tompkins is just high on their shots before Wescoe registers his second goal at 29:22, assisted by Mbula. Connor Torruella blasts it from 21 yards out to put the Trojans ahead, assisted by Wescoe and Cliff Smith as the Trojans jump on top. Hector Kunichek is just wide as the half ends with Garner up 3-2.
Seniors honored during halftime festivities, accompanied by their parents:
Captain Gabe Chrismon, Dillon Creech, Drew Gay, Jake Smith, and Luke Tompkins.
Video by Elizabeth Ayscue
Garner continues to apply the pressure in the second half and the stellar defense allows just three shots on goal for SSS. Torruella scores his second of the night on a rebound for a 4-2 Trojan lead, three minutes into the half. Cliff Smith makes it 5-2 at 16:04 on a terrific assist from Tompkins. The Spartan end the scoring at 17:20 and Senior Captain Gabe Chrismon stops a near point blank SSS shot with three minutes to keep it a 2 goal win for the Trojans.
Goals: GAR-Wescoe 2, Torruella 2, Cliff Smith 1; SSS-Turner 2, Pacheco
Assists: GAR-Wescoe 2, Mbula, Cliff Smith, Tompkins
(pictures all season courtesy of Reese Torruella. A huge thank you Mr. Torruella!!)
The press box team sends a thank you to Coach Sherwin and his team for their appreciation and congrats for their fine regular season and best of luck as the state play-offs kick off next Wednesday!!
Congrats to the JV soccer team, winners 3-2 in the earlier match!! Alejandro Perez scores two goals for the Trojans.
Thank you Trojan Club supporter:
Ms. Jeannie Hulmes