ROCKINGHAM — Save for one miscommunication, head coach Chris Larsen said the Lady Raider soccer team played a perfect match Tuesday.
A grueling and physical clash with visiting Pinecrest High School gave fans from both schools free soccer.
After 80 minutes of play ended in a scoreless draw, two mandatory 10-minute overtime periods were played in the Sandhills Athletic Conference contest.
Taking advantage of a lapse in the opening minute of the first overtime, Pinecrest scored the match’s only goal to win 1-0.
“We played a great game tonight,” Larsen shared. “Out of the 100 minutes we played, we played 99 minutes and 27 seconds of perfect soccer. That’s what it came down to tonight. I think we came out kind of flat in the first overtime period after having a break.
“Outside of letting them score, the girls created chances tonight,” he continued. “We did a good job of keeping them out of the danger zone in the middle of the field and limiting their chances to score.”
Just 33 seconds into the first overtime, a miscommunication amongst Richmond’s backfield yielded an open look on frame for Jadyn Lemielle, who scored for Pinecrest (6-6, 4-2 SAC).
Junior goalkeeper Quanna Bostic, who Larsen noted played lights out in between the posts, made a dozen quality saves in the match.
Richmond’s best chance to score in overtime came with under four minutes to go in the second overtime period.
A corner kick from the right side sent in by senior Gabby Lutz was redirected by senior Allie Rodgers along the near post, but landed in the netting atop the goal.
“I’m disappointed we lost, that’s never a good feeling,” Larsen closed. “But we’re not walking away upset or second-guessing anything. I’m glad we competed and this is the best we’ve played up to this point in the season.
“I’m proud of the girls’ effort and pleased how it was a back-and-forth match tonight that wasn’t one-sided.”
The Lady Raiders (7-5-2, 3-4 SAC) will host non-conference Cape Fear High School (10-3-1) Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Richmond will also recognize its six senior players — Emma Altman, Kaleigh Cloninger, Jenna Gardner, Evie Howell, Lutz and Rodgers — on senior night at 7:15 p.m.
JV Lady Raiders shut out
The Richmond junior varsity girls soccer team lost 7-0 to Pinecrest Tuesday.
The JV Lady Raiders trailed 3-0 at halftime before surrendering four goals in the final 35 minutes.
Back on the pitch Wednesday, the JV Lady Raiders (4-2-1, 1-2-1 SAC) will host non-conference Cape Fear High School at 5:30 p.m.
