Nash Warren attempts to get possession for the Raiders. Daron Barefoot|Sampson Independent Jayden Espino-Diaz works against the North Lenoir defense for possession of the ball. Daron Barefoot|Sampson Independent Josh Santillan crosses the ball toward the midfield where Carson Cain takes the pass for a goal.
Daron Barefoot|Sampson Independent Everette Jackson heads the ball into the goal in the first half. Daron Barefoot|Sampson Independent The first round of the NCHSAA State 2A Soccer playoffs got underway on Friday night out at Midway High School. The Raiders, representing the number 10 seed, welcomed number 23 North Lenoir into Tommy Sloan Stadium.
Unfortunately for the home team, they suffered a second-half collapse and were upset in the first round, 4-3. A beautiful autumn night set the stage for these two foes, each vying for a spot in next week’s second round game against the winner of Southeast Alamance and Southwest Edgecombe. The Hawks took the opening kickoff, but it was Midway that quickly stole possession and began to apply pressure.
After a couple minutes, North Lenoir settled in and began to turn things the other way. At the 35:40 mark, they generated a shot at the goal that missed just left and the score stayed 0-0. The Hawks continued to apply a heavy dose of pressure as goalkeeper Keller Godwin was fighting hard for Midway.
Suddenly, the Raiders cleared the ball out and were able to get a great opportunity at the other end. The Hawks’ goalkeeper, though, .
