Fresh off their stirring victory over Jay M. Robinson on Tuesday, the Bulls Soccer team looked to continue their inspired play of late against Central Cabarrus in the 2nd meeting of the season for the two conference foes. The Bulls won the first meeting 1-0 but it was a struggle as the CC Vikings forced the Bulls to play at their slower, controlled pace. This contest started much the same way the last contest played out as again the Vikings forced the Bulls to play at a slower, controlled pace. Unfortunately, the Ragin' men are best when they're playing fast and aggressive. That didn't happen until Central went up 1-0 24 minutes into the match. Giving up a goal lit a fire under the team and 30 seconds later Brandon Castillo answered off an assist from Matt Abbott. A few minutes later Hickory Ridge keeper Drew Andreotti went down with an injury after making a leaping save to keep the score knotted at 1-1. After staying down for a few minutes, Drew came out of the game and was replaced by backup keeper Alex Batson. Alex kept the Vikings from scoring on the ensuing corner kick and, after a little rest on the sideline, Drew came back into the game and the half ended at 1-1.
The second half started with Alex Batson back in goal and the Bulls owning the kickoff. Right away it was obvious coach Wolfe gave instruction to force Central to play at the Bulls pace vs. the other way around. Sure enough, Hickory Ridge played fast, aggressive, and scored again 4 minutes into the 2nd half. As in the first half, it was Abbott assisting Castillo on the score. Not to be content with a 2-1 lead, the Ragin' men continued their assault but just missed on several other opportunities. The defense did their part too by preventing any decent shots on goal and keeping Batson's pink goalie shirt clean. So with the clocking ticking to zero and the scoreboard reading Home -2, Away - 1, the men in pink socks and the keeper in pink goalie shirt in honor of breast cancer awareness month, celebrated their school record 12th victory of the season. The Bulls are now 12-2-1 overall, 8-1 in conference play, and solidly entrenched 1/2 game behind first place in the SPC. Next up is Cox Mill next Tuesday, at Cox Mill, in a game the Mavericks hope to avenge their earlier 4-3 loss in OT to the Ragin' Bulls.
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