Jackson Bolton makes a save for Cape Fear Christian on Thursday.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
A numbers crunch from players working and going on vacation had concerned Cape Fear Christian Academy varsity boys soccer coach Michael Breslin, but the worries subsided in the season opener on Thursday at home against Riverside Christian.
“In three days, we went from barely having a team, to coming back from a two-goal deficit to win 5-3,” Breslin said. “The guys put in a lot of hard work practicing in the heat.”
Eighth-grader Tripp Selph had three goals for CFCA. Jackson Breslin had the go-ahead goal to put the Eagles up, 4-3, on an assist from Selph. Will Hobbs also found the net for the hosts. Breslin had three assists.
“I kept emphasizing that we had to not just kick the ball, but control the attack,” said Coach Breslin. “And they did just that. Every player on the team stepped up. Jackson Bolton played his first game in goal and made six saves. The defenders were fierce. The defensive midfielders transitioned seamlessly from defense to offense.
“Our attack, which has been rather one-dimensional in the past, kept the other team guessing. Jackson Breslin and Tripp Selph were creative in their attacks. … All in all, a great first showing.”
Riverside led 1-0 on a penalty kick. The Eagles equalized on a corner kick by Breslin to Selph. The contest was tied at 1 at the half.
Selph scored from the edge of the 18-yard box on an assist from Trey Tripp to get CFCA within 3-2.
Hobbs had the tying goal on a feed from Selph. A through ball from Breslin to Selph produced the final goal.
Jackson Breslin had a goal and three assists in a 5-3 win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Tripp Selph gains control for CFCA on Thursday at home.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Brandon Surles (9) pushes the attack for the Eagles.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Trey Tripp controls for Cape Fear Christian.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
David Okropiridze goes up for a header in a 5-3 season-opening win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
