Varsity Boys Soccer

In the second round of playoffs the Warriors played Grace Christian in an away match on October 21st. The soccer team had split with them during the year and the team went in to the game feeling good about the chances having competed with them during the season in really tight, well-played, exciting matches. Early on in the first half the Eagles put a goal in the back of the net that the defense couldn't stop. It felt like catch-up from there for the team that tried to claw their way back but at half-time was down 3-1. The team returned from the half ready to compete and they started to fight back with good defensive fights on the ball and stronger possessions but when Grace Christian got another goal the team was just not able to pull it off. The final score was 6-1 to close the 2021 soccer season. Coach Cornejo said of his team, "I am proud of the boys as we always gave our best, I am thankful to our seniors for their contribution to St. David's soccer."

The Warriors took on New Life Camp and fought hard on Monday, October 11th having one of the most intense finishes of the season. The Warriors were down at halftime and the Storm scored another goal quickly making it 2-3 but, the Warriors responded with one of their own and with just seconds on the clock Alex Weaver made an amazing goal to finish off with a hat trick for his senior night. Two of those assists also came from Senior Hank Madden. As the game was non-conference the final result was a 3-3 tie but the Warriors, riding momentum, decided to challenge the opponents to a ten minute overtime. The Storm accepted and scored another goal, a heartbreaking loss on senior night. Coach Cornejo who talked with the parents after the game and honored the seniors who had been such an important part of the team said, "it was not the desired result but the team fought hard and must prepare for an away game coming next Tuesday, October19th to start the State playoffs." He added, "we had a really nice crowd for Senior Day celebrating the contributions that Alex Weaver, Hank Madden, Alex Barroso, Harper Pennington and Andy Retana have made to our program over the last few years. 

The St David’s Warriors were defeated by the Grace Christian Eagles on Thursday, September 23rd with a final score of 6-1. The Eagles were good at converting goal scoring opportunities to put points on the scoreboard and made efficient plays to get the ball in the goal. Although the Warriors were excellent at connecting passes, they were not able to get many plays in the attacking third of the field. There were some excellent performances made by individuals but Grace Christian maintained momentum throughout the game. In the second half, fatigue seemed to take over as the passes were not as sharp and the Warriors did not attack the ball as they had in the first half. Coach Cornejo pointed out these weaknesses and if these can be worked out practice, the Warriors will be a formidable team. Coach also said to learn from the game and to move onto the next one. With a week long break coming up, the team can rest, recuperate, and prepare for their next game which will be a rematch at home with Grace Christian. Come support our boys and don't forget to wear PINK for the pink-out!  

Varsity Boys Soccer played a home game on Tuesday, September 21st against the defending State Champs, Cary Christian. The game was a tale of two halves with both teams dominating at certain points. The Warriors started out strong with 3 goals from Alex Weaver on breakaways. St. David's had great possessions in the first half and kept this lead 3 goal to halftime. Whether it was from fatigue or lack of focus, the Warriors didn't quite have the same energy going into the second half. The Knights on the other hand had a strong burst of energy as they scored 3 goals in the second half tying the game up forcing an overtime where the game was even through the first ten minute half. Sometime in the second half, the Knights were able to convert a goal scoring opportunity and won the game in sudden death. Coach Cornejo was proud of how the boys played and pointed out many great performances including one by Leyton Thompson who had a stellar game in goal. Coach said, ”you either win or you learn", encouraging the boys to see the value in their fight and learn from any mistakes. The Warriors will have lots to think about going into their next game, Thursday September 23rd against Grace Christian. 

The Varsity Warriors played well Thursday but in the end were defeated by the Patriots of Arendell Parrot Academy on September 16th. The Warriors, having made big improvements in the past week, passed well, had much better ball control and had excellent goal scoring opportunities but in the end were not able to convert these into points on the board. The Patriots, led on by a strong second half and impressive talent in the opposition, defeated the Warriors 5-0. Coach Cornejo told the players to keep their heads up as there were many positive things and lots of things to learn from the game. The boys take to the field again in a home match on September 21st against Cary Christian. Come out to support our Warriors!

Varsity Soccer took to the field on Tuesday, September 14th against a very experienced, very talented Durham Academy squad. As a young crew with a smaller group The Warriors are still learning and improving each day in practice but were no match for the Cavaliers whose technical ability, teamwork, and ball movement overtook. Coach Cornejo said they will get "back to practice tomorrow hoping to continue learning as our season progresses". The Warriors will return to the field on September 16th in an away match against Arendell Parrott. 

The Warriors played against Cary Christian in a competitive away game on September 8th. The match-up was an excellent test to boys' progress through this early part of the season and they rose to the occasion with clean possession, aggressive defense and thorough communication. Coach Cornejo said of his team, "it was probably our best game yet this year. We Were communicating and connecting passes. We played as a unit and even though we lost there were a lot of positive moments that we hope to build on." Hank Madden scored with an assist from Will Sink leaving the score a 5-1 loss. The scoreboard doesn't quite reflect the game or the Warrior's effort in this match-up. The boys will compete again at Durham Academy on September 14th. 

The Warriors lost in an away match to Trinity Academy on September 7th. The boys continue to piece together bits of improvement along the way but Trinity put too much pressure on the team and they struggled to recover. The pressure forced errors and limited possession for the team as they seemed to be playing well one moment but the next making mistakes. Coach Cornejo emphasized the importance of communication "as it is crucial to team development", he said. In this game, Alex Weaver scored 2 goals, Hank Madden scored the other with assists from Alex Barroso and Hank Madden. 

Varsity boys soccer played against Ravenscroft on August 31st at home. The Warriors hung with the Ravens in a 1-1 game for the first twenty minutes of the game until the boys took some hits that resulted in minor injuries for a few players. After some shaking off and adjusting the team could never quite recover from those challenges. Injuries forced players to play in positions they aren't usually in and those substitutions seemed just a bit too far outside the Warriors' comfort zone. The heat and skipping a day of practice surely didn't help matters but "the boys will regroup and continue to press onward to their next competition" Coach Cornejo said, when they play an away game against Fayetteville Christian Academy on September 2nd. 

Varsity boys soccer took the field Friday, August 27th to take on Rocky Mount at home. They showed poise and control as they played demonstrating real improvement from their last competition against Cary Academy. "Collectively", Coach Cornejo said, "we moved really well and our communication was the best so far this year". They started out strong, passing well and moving as a unit throughout the first half. Goal scorers included Lucas Pisciotta, Sebastian Casas, Hank Madden, who also delivered an assist, and Alex Weaver, who notched 4 of the Warriors' 7 goals. The Warriors take on Ravenscroft at home on Tuesday the 31st next.