Albemarle soccer increases offensive numbers in 2019

Published 3:35 pm Friday, September 6, 2019

Offense this season for the Albemarle men’s soccer team has come early and often.

Save for a shutout loss to West Stanly in the second game, Albemarle has outscored its opponents 24-4 in three victories including Wednesday night’s 7-1 road win over county rival North Stanly.

Averaging six goals per game, the Bulldogs (3-1, 1-0 YVC) are on pace to outscore last year’s mark when Albemarle tallied 52 goals.

Versus the Comets, Albemarle led early before a foul in the box gave North Stanly (1-2, 1-1) a penalty kick which freshman Clay Hatley converted in the 17th minute.

From that point, Albemarle cored the next six goals of the match including two goals each from Cristian Jaimes, Steven Zelaya along with a goal from sophomore Lucas Megson.

“With two schools so close together, the rivalry is a natural one. I thought the quality of play and sportsmanship tonight were outstanding on the part of both schools,” Albemarle head coach Matt Moeller said.

“We have scored a bunch of goals. We do our best to play a specific system, getting the ball out wide and having lots of opportunities for shots on net.”

The Bulldogs take on North Moore (1-2-1, 0-1) Monday.

About Charles Curcio

Charles Curcio has served as the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press for more than 16 years and has written numerous news and feature storeis as well. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also won an award from Boone Newspapers, and has won four North Carolina Press Association awards.

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