Cape Fear Christian Academy girls soccer seniors are shown with Coach Michael Breslin. From left are Gioia Hunziker, Taylor Beasley, Gracie Byrd, Madison Starling and Rachel Thornton.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)

Cape Fear Christian Academy defeated visiting Northwood Temple, 6-1, in the first round of the Sandhills Athletic Conference varsity girls soccer tournament on Monday as Gracie Byrd scored three goals.

CFCA recognized seniors Taylor Beasley, Byrd, Gioia Hunziker, Madison Starling and Rachel Thornton after improving to 8-6 going into the semifinals at Fayetteville Christian on Thursday.

“Once we started putting together a few passes and using the whole field, things came together nicely,” said CFCA coach Michael Breslin. “The team has grown a lot over the course of the season. They are doing a good job of communicating and supporting each other so that no player is left on an island. We still need to do a better job of winning the 50-50 balls, but we are getting better.”

Byrd gave the hosts a 1-0 lead with a scoring run and CFCA was on top, 4-1, at the half.

“The defensive midfielders did a very good job limiting Northwood’s scoring opportunities,” Breslin said. “When the Northwood attackers did get into our defensive third of the field, the four backs did a great job forcing the attacking players outside away from the goal so they couldn’t shoot.

“Laney Trainer (left back) was great today. She was able to stop a lot of attacks. In fact, Northwood was limited to only five shots on goal the entire game. Our offense did a good job creating opportunities. There were times when Ella John Dupree and Gwynn Young made very creative runs and moved the ball up the field.

“Ella John scored once today and Gwynn had a wonderful goal that she scored from a very tight angle by looping the ball over the goalkeeper. Lexie Crumley also had one goal. These goals were assisted by Ella John, Gwynn, and Gracie.

“Gracie had a fantastic game, scoring three goals: one from a penalty kick, one from a solo run through the Northwood defense and one that she scored from the corner during a corner kick. I’m very pleased with how the team is playing.”

Gracie Byrd had three goals for CFCA.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)

Alexis Crumley had a goal off an assist from Gracie Byrd in the first half.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)

Ella John Dupree controls for CFCA in the first round of the SAC Tournament.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)

Taylor Beasley anchored a solid defensive effort.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt) .

Cape Fear Christian’s Class of 2022 players were celebrated on Monday.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)

Gwynn Young scored a goal in a 6-1 win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)

Gioia Hunziker has possession on CFCA’s Senior Day.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Barbara Myatt)