David Broyles

Staff Reporter

SPARTA — The Lady Golden Eagles looked to young talent for a 4-1 soccer win over Alleghany Monday.

According to Coach Matt Richardson, sophomore Sarah Bruce and freshmen Emilee Stanley, Laura Dobbins and Yasmin Vega all contributed to the victory.

Alleghany scored in the 16th minute as they dribbled the ball down midfield, tangled up a defender and beat the keeper on a one-on-one shot. Richardson said a definite team defensive breakdown aided Alleghany.

Eagle Maddie White scored in the 30th minute to tie the score at the half. The goal was set up by Tess Dockery who beat out a defender in the right side of the field and passed to White who beat the keeper on a kick to the corner.

“This match was a tale of two halves,” said Richardson. He explained that Central did not come out well in the first half. “We were not in position where we should have been. We were sloppy,” added Richardson. “At the half we made adjustments and the girls were more focused and played like they knew how to. We were more organized, more calm and that led to more opportunities.”

Central scored in the 44th minute of the second half. The Eagles got a direct kick outside the box and Bruce fired a shot in which hit the cross bar. Dobbins followed the kick with a header into the net to give Central the lead. White scored again in the 56th minute. Bruce collected the ball in midfield and threaded her way through before passing to White who finished the shot.

Surry Central sealed the win in the 66th minute of the match off a well placed corner kick by Bruce. Alleghany’s goalie was protecting the near post. Central had a high corner kick over the keeper’s head and the Eagles crashed the defender who scored the own-goal.

Richardson complimented the efforts of Yasmin Vega. He said she played well at mid and forward in the match, a switch from her usual defensive effort. “Wherever she was, she delivered,” said Richardson. “She is a freshman who I see as a tremendous leader all ready. She’s a big part of why were were able to come back.”

Richardson pointed out that Bruce was involved in three of four goals in the match and said she often does the things that don’t show up in the stat books but make the wins possible. The Lady Eagles are 11-6 with the victory.

Central is scheduled to host North Iredell Thursday at 6 p.m. The Eagles are set to play at North Surry on Friday.

Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.