The Lee County boys soccer team celebrated a much-needed victory on Monday, defeating St. Pauls 4-0 at home, marking their first win of the season. This match was particularly significant as it came after a series of challenging games against formidable opponents, including Cary, Wake Forest, Wake Prep, Williams, and Enloe.
Head coach Brad Wicker acknowledged the difficulties faced by his team, which had lost eight or nine starters from the previous season. He expressed the challenges of adapting to new positions and finding the best fit for each player. "I knew it was going to be a growing season, trying to get people in new positions and figuring out where we best play each player," Wicker stated. Despite the tough schedule, he remained optimistic about the team's potential to build momentum as they prepare for upcoming conference play.
With this win, the Yellow Jackets improved their record to 1-4-2, achieving their first multi-goal game of the season. The scoring opened early in the match when Carlos Trochez found the net, giving Lee County a 1-0 lead. The first half saw both teams engaged in a defensive struggle, with Lee County holding onto their slim advantage as they headed into halftime.
The second half proved to be a turning point for the Yellow Jackets. Brandon Chicas extended the lead with a well-placed free kick in the 60th minute, making the score 2-0. Chicas then showcased his skill again, beating a defender and placing a shot into the corner of the net just six minutes before the end of the match, securing his second goal of the night. Jorge Gomez capped off the scoring with a goal in the dying moments of the game.
Wicker credited his tactical adjustments for the team's success, particularly the positioning of players like Derek Massenburg and Brandon Chicas, which allowed them to utilize their speed and passing effectively. Chicas' performance was particularly noteworthy, as he not only scored twice but also contributed to the team's overall communication and teamwork on the field. "We have gotten better through communication, playing as a team and finishing our chances today," Chicas remarked after the game.
Defensively, goalkeeper Jovany “JJ” Trujillo played a crucial role, recording six saves to maintain the shutout. Wicker praised Trujillo's consistent performance throughout the season, emphasizing that many games could have turned out differently without his contributions.
St. Pauls, now 0-5, attempted to mount a late offensive but could not penetrate the resilient Lee County defense. Looking ahead, Wicker believes that the tough nonconference schedule will serve as valuable preparation for the challenges of conference play, where teams like Harnett Central, Southern Lee, and West Johnston are expected to be strong competitors.
Lee County will look to build on this victory as they return to action on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Cape Fear, hoping to carry the momentum from this win into their upcoming matches.
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