Oct. 17, 2012 — Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000167 EndHTML:0000005825 StartFragment:0000000457 EndFragment:0000005809
Set to outdo the female Raiders, East Carter’s boys soccer squad made the most of its chance to pick up a first district title.
The Raiders scored early and often, driving the nail in the coffin early as it defeated Greenup County in the 62nd District soccer championship match, 5-1, this past Saturday at KCU.
East Carter senior Tucker Carper, who is only in his third year of varsity soccer, said it was a great moment for the East Carter program.
“Before soccer I played golf, which is an individual sport, and I can tell you right now, there is no better feeling than to pick up a big win like this when you are part of a team,” said Carper.
Elijah Green, who scored the first goal of the night three minutes in, agreed with his teammate.
“We have been building to this for a long time, and this was a big goal for us to win this district,” Green said. “We are going to enjoy this one before we get ready for next week.”
Leading 1-0, Green’s goal would remain the lone one on the scoreboard, until Quinn Huddle converted from 15 yards out at the 16th minute.
Carper quickly followed a minute later, with an assist from Evan Huddle, before Michael Marsh drove home the dagger seconds after to make the score 4-0 in favor of the Raiders.
Head Coach Ben Fritz said he was immensely proud of the effort his team gave.
“I thought we controlled the ball well tonight and passed extremely well,” Fritz said. “In the past we have had a very tough district every single year, so to be able to hoist that trophy and be the best of the 62nd, it means a lot to these kids and I am happy for them.”
With a 4-0 lead, the Raiders decided they weren’t done when Evan Huddle traded up playing assist man with Seth Marsh delivering a highlight cross from the right corner to find Huddle in front of the net for the fifth score on the night.
The Musketeers scored their only goal of the game after the departure of junior goalie Trenton Welsh to the sidelines.
Following the win, East Carter received a first round bye in the 16th Region tournament held in Grayson.
The Raiders will play in the semifinals of the tournament Thursday at 8 p.m.
Grant Stevens can be reached at gstevensjournal-times.com or by telephone at 1-800-247-6142.
