The James River girls battled back several times to take a 3-2 win over Nelson County in Monday’s soccer opener for both teams in Staunton.
This was a big win for the Knights, who saw their season end with a loss to Nelson in the post-season last year. Despite a chilly night there was a bit of electricity in the air and game proved to be an exciting one.
The Governors scored first on a Clara Moldenhauer break-away, but the Knights answered with a goal from Rhaya Kitt, assisted by Ella Monaghan, with 14 minutes left in the period to tie the score. Nelson took the lead again when the host team scored in a confused jumble of players in front of the goal five minutes later, and it stood 2-1 in favor of the Governors at the half.
James River came out of the break re-energized. The play was still intense at both ends, but the Knights defense, led by Annabelle Peay, had adjusted to minimize the fast break preferred by the Governors. Victoria Race-Waller converted an Ava Thacker assist at the midpoint of the half to tie the score again at 2-2.
The rest of the second half was tense with both teams on the hunt for the win. Nelson’s fast breaks and the Knights more deliberate attacks were entertaining and had the fans on the edge of their seats. Everyone was mentally preparing for overtime until River’s Sophia Martin finished a shot in traffic, putting the Knights ahead for the first time in the match with just two minutes remaining. The Knights then held off the Governors for a big win.
Kylee Aaron played a solid match in goal for River with nine saves and strong support of her back line.
River will be back in action Thursday with a game at Riverheads. The home opener is next Tuesday, March 19, with a 7 p.m. varsity game against Northside.
