Photo by Edmee CR Hasler
The James River boys went 1-2 in Three River District soccer games in the past week and are now 2-5 overall and 2-3 in district games.
Last week the Knights shut out visiting Patrick County in Springwood, 5-0. Knox Taylor had two goals and Brayden Forbes, Angel Morales and Sam Wilson had one each.
“We played solid all night,” said River coach Jared Whiting. “We played patient and had lots of ball movement that wore them down. We were finishing very well in the final third. Every game we are making big improvements.”
On Thursday the Knights traveled to two-time defending Class 2 champion Glenvar, and the Highlanders are undefeated so far this season. They remained that way with an 8-0 win over the Knights.
“Glenvar is playing at a whole different level than most teams,” said Whiting. “We knew going in the would be tough so we tried some changes to mix things up some. It worked for a little while but they simply out played us.”
On Monday of this week the Knights dropped a tough one at Floyd, 2-1. Knox Taylor had River’s goal with an assist from Aiden Bartulis.
“This was a frustrating game,” said Whiting. “We out-played Floyd all night but gave up a couple penalties late in the game and it cost us a win.”
River boys are at Alleghany on Thursday followed by a home game with Waynesboro Friday.
The James River girls are 6-3 overall and 3-1 in Three Rivers District play after splitting two district games last week. The girls beat Patrick County, 4-1, but lost to Glenvar, 7-0.
A little rain on the field did not dampen the spirit for River’s game in Stuart against Patrick. James River took command of the game early when Sonny Sharp connected early in the first half off an assist from Rhaya Kitt to open the scoring. This would prove to be the only goal of the first period.
Sharp came out strong in the second half, scoring two unassisted goals in the opening minutes. Hayley Radar finished for the Knights with five minutes remaining with a hard shoot bouncing off the back post and into the net. Kylee Aaron had nine saves for the Knights.
On Thursday in Springwood the Knights were shut out by the defending Class 2 champion Glenvar girls. Aaron had a busy night in the James River goal with 25 stops.
The Knights girls soccer team is back on the pitch Thursday for a home game against Alleghany.
