By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
Washington freshman Bladimir Romero had a big impact in his first varsity game as his second half goal broke a 1-1 tie with South Central and proved to be the game-winner for the Pam Pack at J.G. “Choppy” Wagner Stadium on Wednesday.
Romero was fouled as he drove to the net early in the second half, and was awarded a penalty kick. The freshman stepped up and, at the 33:50 mark, Romero edged the ball past South Central’s goalie for the go-ahead goal.
Romero was called up after Kyle Cochran and Jimmy Hardison were sidelined with injuries.
The Falcons took an early lead in the first half when they took advantage of a Pam Pack defensive miscue. South Central was able to outlet the ball along the right side of the field to Derrick Roach, who had only one man to beat.
The slick dribbling Roach was able to get by the Pam Pack defender and slip the ball past Washington goalie Josh Carter to take a 1-0 lead at the 36:37 mark.
The Pam Pack got back on the same page and struck back at South Central five minutes later when Ryan Beddard buried the ball past the Falcons’ goalie to tie the score at one apiece.
For the Pam Pack (2-2, 1-1), Wednesday’s win was its first in the Coastal Conference. Kozuch said he was pleased to break the ice.
The Falcons and Pam Pack played a very defensive game, with both teams struggling to get quality scoring chances throughout the game.
Beddard was able to break off a few shots on goal, but the Pack as a team had trouble generating offense.
On defense, Washington locked down on the Falcons. After South Central’s first half goal the Falcons were stymied for a majority of the game.
South Central was able to get off a quality shot early in the second half, but Washington defenseman Robert Dail bailed out Carter when he snuck to the back right of the net and made a heads up kick save.
While Kozuch was proud of his team’s defense, he said he would like to see his team stay on the offensive more.
The Pam Pack won’t have too long to enjoy its first conference win, as it will be back in action today when it hosts Williamston.