Hornets atop tough district

By Liz Keller
Media General News Service

Published: April 24, 2008

In sports, when the stakes are high, the team that has an edge will often prevail. Well, on Thursday night, Round 1 of the Jefferson District’s boys soccer showdown went to Orange County’s boys soccer team.
The Hornets, playing on their home field, jumped out to an early lead over Western Albemarle and never relinquished it as its defense did the rest in a 2-1 victory.
With the win, Orange stayed unbeaten to secure the top spot in the district, while the Warriors were handed their first loss in district play.
“We respect our district - it’s a very hard district and a lot of these guys play together on club teams,” said Orange County coach Dwane Pugh. “We knew that this was going to be tough and hard-fought, and it was about who had a leg up. And anytime that you’re running a race and can get out front and clear a path, and get a little distance, that’s good for you.”
The Hornets (9-0, 5-0 JD) took a first-half lead with a goal from fleet-footed Cody Fincham and held a 1-0 advantage at halftime. Western Albemarle goalkeeper Charles Stump made back-to-back stops just before the break to keep the visitors in the game.
Just 30 seconds into the second half, Orange added another goal as Schuyler Whelan delivered a short pass off a header to Josh Moon for the finish.
Western Albemarle (4-2-1, 2-1-1) answered a few minutes later, as sophomore forward Alex Nolet got a wide-open look off a short pass from Andy Stafford to cut the lead to 2-1.
But the Hornets made the lead stand, despite the Warriors’ best attempts to catch up.
One of those attempts came with 6:50 remaining as Ryan Elliott got a good look at the net. But Orange goalkeeper Joe Morrison made a nifty diving save to thwart any chance of a comeback.
“Our guys knew what we wanted to do, but we didn’t execute very well and that produced unfavorable results. I don’t think we defended to the potential we are capable of,” said Western Albemarle coach Paul Rittenhouse. “Orange was obviously very invested in the game, and when teams are that way, that makes them play at a higher level. As long as Charles is playing like that in front of the goal for us, it buys us more time to do that, but you’ve got to make sure you do the fundamental things. Orange was the better team tonight.”

With the first half of district play under its belt, Pugh hopes Orange’s success will carry over into the remainder of the season.
“To get almost completely through the first round undefeated gives us a lot of confidence, but it also means that everybody’s going to be gunning for you,” Pugh said. “You make one wrong move in this district, and you’re beaten. Hopefully we can take the success we’ve had and use it to continue to press to be the best we can be.”