Spartanburg, SC - Cape Fear men's soccer lost 2-0 to Richard Bland College in the semi-final of the NJCAA Region 10 tournament.

"I must commend the Richard Bland team," said head coach C.W. Ponton. "It's no question why they're ranked as high as they are. They are very solid defensively, and exploit any mistakes you make very well."

The Statesmen of Richard Bland were the top ranked seed in Region 10, and the #14 ranked team in the nation. They entered today's game with an overall record of 16-1 and a conference record of 12-1. The Sea Devils, the fourth ranked team in Region 10, won the play-in game against Wake Tech, 3-1, to reach the semi-final match.

Richard Bland got on the scoresheet late in the first half, going up 1-0 in the 40th minute. Statesmen Uziel Hernandez scored off an assist from Jamie McAvoy. Sea Devils goalkeeper Lucas Gusmao kept it at just one; however, making six saves in the first half, and 11 for the game. Cape Fear threatened twice with two shot attempts.

The score remained the same for much of the second half, but Richard Bland doubled their lead in the 83rd minute off a goal from Ervin Ikanovic. Cape Fear had another two shots on goal, but couldn't find the back of the net. Anthoney Garcia-Aguirre made an impact off the bench on both ends.

Afterwards, coach Ponton had positive things to say about about his team's second half play.

"We were much more offensive in the second half, but still rushed our play unnecessarily. That's being said, I'm very proud of my team."

While the season is over, there are plenty of positives for the Sea Devils, who won six more games this season after finishing 3-13 a year ago. Ponton acknowledged the play of his returning sophomores and the new additions for this season's turnaround.

"My returners helped turn this program around, my transfers brought college experience, and my freshman stepped up when called upon," said Ponton. "We are getting acknowledgement in the community, region, and from four year schools interested in my players. To compete with our opponents like we did with such a small bench is very satisfying."

Moving forward, Ponton plans to help the players moving on while preparing for next season.

"Our goal now is to move our sophomores on, develop our [rising] freshman, and sign prospective freshman."

The loss eliminates Cape Fear from the NJCAA Region 10 tournament, and marks the end of the 2017 season. They finished with an overall record of 9-7-1, and a conference record of 8-7-1.

Courtesy of Nick Denning