By By STEVE FRANKLIN, Sports Writer
CHOCOWINITY — As the final whistle echoed across Southside’s soccer field Tuesday, the Seahawks players immediately darted for the water cooler. Moments later, Southside coach John Lohman was drenched from head-to-toe.
Thanks to a flawless second half, the Seahawks’ soccer program netted its first ever victory Tuesday evening, topping Pamlico County 3-1.
Southside fell behind 1-0 late in the second half as defenseman Daniel Jennings misplayed a ball in front of his own net. The loose soccer ball found the foot of Hurricanes’ midfielder Blake Hollister who fired a shot on goal that was knocked away on a diving stop by Seahawks goalie Hayden Huggins. But the riccochet went directly to Pamlico County freshman Aaron Caroon, who blasted the ball into the back of the net to give Pamlico County a 1-0 lead at the half.
During the half, coach John Lohman challenged his team to go out and earn the win.
It was Jennings who answered that call.
Ten minutes into the second, Jennings blasted a kick from 20 yards out that slipped by Pamlico’s goalie to tie the game at 1-1.
The goal swung the momentum to Southside’s favor.
And in the 61st minute, the Seahawks took the lead on a spectacular goal.
Southside forward Aaron Stokes raced up field and delivered a perfectly executed crossing pass aimed towards Joshua Sheppard. Sheppard waited for the floating ball and drilled a header into the top left corner of the net for the eventual game-winning goal.
The ‘Hawks cemented their first win in the final five minutes thanks to more great execution.
Jennings delivered a corner kick in front of the net and after a couple bounces the ball landed on the toe of Michael Ward who laced a hard line drive into the net.
The Seahawks outshot the Hurricanes 13-6.
Though it was a rather quiet night in goal, Huggins made some big stops for Southside, finishing with five saves, including three in one-on-one situations.
Southside (1-2) will get a crack to even their record on Thursday when they travel to Bayboro for a rematch with Pamlico County. But first they’ll enjoy this victory.