BELHAVEN — The Raiders of Pungo Christian Academy’s soccer team dropped the season opener on Thursday night to Christ Covenant, 3-2.

Sophomore striker, Devin Cadle was not able to play on Thursday due to an injury, and head coach Victor Chavez believed Cadle could’ve been the difference.

“We were so close to tying it up, even could’ve won the game,” Chavez said. “We didn’t have (one of our) best players in Devin. If (he was on the field) we could’ve won.”

The first half saw a couple of chances for the Raiders, with PCA midfielder Wilson Sawyer breaking through early on with a shot just outside of the 18-yard box. Moments later, Christ Covenant answered with an equalizer.

Christ Covenant peppered the Pungo keeper for the remainder of the half and scored two more times before the break, increasing their lead to 3-1.

Just before halftime, Sawyer struck again for the Raiders and cut the deficit in half. After halftime, a rain shower descended upon the field for much of the second half. For 38 minutes, players on both ends struggled to maintain possession.

Pungo Goalkeeper Axel Ruiz made several impressive saves to keep the Raiders in the game.

Pungo’s best chance came with 11 minutes remaining, as a foul was called just outside the 18-yard box. Left wing Miller O’Neal took the free kick and fired a shot, but it sailed over the goal. That turned out to be the final opportunity to tie the game and the Raiders would go on to drop their season opener.

The Raiders have an 18-game schedule that includes trips to Bear Grass Charter School and Northside High School.

Pungo Christian Academy will be back in action Tuesday at Montessori. Game time is set for 4 PM.