Knoxville, TN - Saturday, November 2, 2024

Cape Fear vs Pellissippi State

Cape Fear loses 3-1

Highlights: In a fiercely contested battle for the District Championship, Cape Fear Community College's men's soccer team ended their season with a hard-fought 3-1 loss to Pellissippi State.

Cape Fear opened the scoring in the first half when defender Zaiere Evans launched a throw-in into the Pellissippi box, and the opposing goalkeeper misjudged the ball, allowing it to slip through his legs, putting Cape Fear up 1-0. The Sea Devils held the advantage in shots during the first half, leading 3-2. However, the match quickly became chippy, with a total of 18 fouls in the first half alone (11 on Cape Fear and 7 on Pellissippi State). The half ended with Cape Fear holding a slim lead.

In the second half, Pellissippi State pushed forward with intensity. They equalized in the 58th minute with a close-range shot that Sea Devils goalkeeper Aydan Scharf deflected but couldn't keep out, as it struck the crossbar and crossed the line. Tensions remained high as the referee called 17 more fouls (12 on Cape Fear and 5 on Pellissippi State), eventually awarding a penalty kick to Pellissippi State in the 67th minute. They converted, taking a 2-1 lead.

Cape Fear pressed for an equalizer, but an unfortunate defensive clearance in the 71st minute landed in their own box, allowing Pellissippi State to capitalize and extend their lead to 3-1. In the final moments, Cape Fear earned a penalty but couldn't convert, ending the match at 3-1.

Despite the loss, Head Coach Giovanni Vlahos praised his team's development: "So unbelievably proud of this group from where they began in August to how far they have come. This shows the grit and 'never die attitude' that has formed since preseason with these boys."

Cape Fear finished the match with two corners to Pellissippi State's eight and managed four shots on goal against Pellissippi's nine.