Wilmington, NC - Cape Fear men's soccer lost its final home game of the season, 4-1 against Patrick Henry Community College. Cape Fear's lone goal came late, courtesy of sophomore Brian Leite, and assisted by Keaton Simmons.
Patrick Henry were aggressive in the early goings, pushing Cape Fear into their own half. Goalkeeper Martin Zambrano made a great save in the 6th minute to keep it scoreless, however, Patrick Henry would score soon after to put them up 1-0. The Patriots would extend their lead a few minutes later, going up 2-0 in the 9th minute.
Most of possession would belong to Patrick Henry, but Cape Fear would dig in to prevent the score from growing for a good portion of the half.
Alfredo Martinez nearly got one back for the Sea Devils in the 17th minute. The ball would fall to him about 30 yards out, and he would strike it hard and high, missing the net by inches.
The Patriots' Jaakko Terasranta would put his team up 3-0 in the 28th minute. It would be the last goal of the half.
As in the first half, the Patriots would maintain most of possession in the second. Zambrano would make a great save four minutes into the second half, stopping a breakaway chance from Patrick Henry.
Throughout the second half Cape Fear found it difficult to create any chances, and Patrick Henry continued to apply pressure.
Patrick Henry's 4th would come from a penalty kick in the 60th minute.
While the game was out of reach, it would end on a positive note for the Sea Devils. First, they would get on the scoresheet, as Leite would score from right in front of goal. Seconds later, Patrick Henry would earn a second penalty kick, but sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Alecio (subbed in the second half), would save the penalty, and collect the ball before Patrick Henry could get a rebound.
Afterwards, head coach C.W. Ponton felt his team came out flat, but improved in the second half. "They came out and put in a better performance in the second half, but it was a lack of individual effort that resulted in a breakdown across the team."
With tonight's match being the last home game the season, Ponton reflected on his team's overall performance through the season. "While our record may not show it, I feel that we have put in a good effort, and we've definitely been improving as the season has gone on." However, he noted that up and down performances have prevented the team from finding any consistency.
With the loss, Cape Fear moves to 3-10 on the season, and 3-9 in conference.
Their next game is scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd, where they will travel to Spartanburg Methodist. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.
Courtesy of Nick Denning
