The James River boys took an early lead over undefeated Glenvar in boys soccer Monday night but the host Highlanders rallied for a 4-1 win.
Levi Miller scored in the first 15 minutes to give River the lead, nailed a shot from just outside the box that hit off the Glenvar goalie’s hands and found the net. However, Glenvar buckled down at that point and didn’t allow another goal while putting four on the board for a big Three Rivers District win.
“I have to say these guys played hard,” said River coach Jared Whiting. “We were solid the entire first half. We showed poise and patience, moved the ball well and kept constant pressure on Glenvar, but I think fatigue got the best of us in the second half. We started making mistakes and our mental game went away.
“Glenvar won the mental game in the second half and I feel that was the deciding factor. But that’s all part of being able to win. I hope we get them again come playoff time as I know these guys have the ability to beat them. And these guys know it, too.”
The loss followed a 5-0 loss to Class 3 Christiansburg last week.
“The game was a lot closer than what the score shows,” said Whiting. “We kept it tight until late in the game when we had to gamble as we were down and had to push forward. That gamble didn’t pay off for us at all but we had to try.”
This week the Knights will be at Rockbridge tonight and at Carroll County on Thursday.