Ella John Dupree, shown in Tuesday’s match, had CFCA’s first goal Thursday.

Cape Fear Christian Academy defeated visiting Cresset Christian of Durham, 2-0, in a nonconference varsity girls soccer match on Thursday afternoon.

CFCA coach Michael Breslin saw significant improvement from a 7-1 home loss to Southside Christian of Clayton on Tuesday.

“Today was important for the team,” Breslin said after Thursday’s match. “With such an inexperienced team — about half are new to the game — it was great for them to feel the excitement that comes with a hard-fought victory.

“I was particularly pleased with our defensive effort. Zykia Matthews had some huge saves while in goal and Aubrey Jackson made a great diving save late in the game to protect the shutout. The four backs, Reyna Johnson, Bela Jones, Madeline Brocious, and Natalia Brocious each provided phenomenal defensive plays.

After our first game, we worked on being more aggressive in the middle of the field. That work paid off as the midfielders did a great job of winning the 50-50 balls. In fact, one of our goals came as a result of Meredith Taylor winning a loose ball in front of the opponent’s goal. Ella John Dupree scored the first goal of the day off of an indirect kick.”

CFCA had a 1-0 lead at the half.

“All in all, the team played great,” Breslin said. “I’m very proud of every one of the players and am looking forward to the upcoming season.”

CFCA coach Michael Breslin was pleased with the improvement he saw.

Meredith Taylor scored the second goal in CFCA’s 2-0 win over Cresset.

Madeline Brocious contributed significantly defensively in the shutout.