ROCKINGHAM — The postseason accolades continue to pour in for student-athletes at Richmond Senior High School, most recently with the release of the all-conference boys’ soccer team.
Originally announced by The Richmond Observer late last week, a total of four Raider soccer players earned roster spots on the inaugural All-Mid-South Conference team.
Each earning his first respective career selection were seniors Elen Fonseca Garcia and Memphis Jacobs, along with juniors Cole Lambeth and Eric Legrand.
The four Raiders were part of the 24-player roster, made up of players from the MSC’s six schools.
Legrand not only made the team, but he also received the title as the MSC’s “Goalkeeper of the Year,” one of four individual recognitions given.
Named “Co-Offensive Player of the Year” were Blake Oxendine (Jack Britt) and Joshua Mandell (Pinecrest). Keifer Strom (Pinecrest) was tabbed the “Defensive Player of the Year,” while Colin McDavid of Hoke County was voted “Coach of the Year.”
This season, the Raiders recorded an 8-13-2 overall record, finished fourth in the MSC standings with a 3-6-1 record and returned to the state playoffs for the first time in five years.
“We had a great group of players selected this year,” head coach Chris Larsen said. “The guys put themselves in a position to make the playoffs and I think that helped show the other coaches in the conference that we are a growing program with several skilled players.
“I’m happy for Elen and Memphis to end their careers with an All-Conference selection. They’ve been four-year members of the program and each played a key role on our offense and midfield. We’ll miss them and their contributions next season.
“Eric really came into his own this season and developed into our top goalie,” Larsen said. “He faced a good amount of shots, and his athleticism and leadership were two of his qualities that stood out to the other coaches. It’s a great honor for him to build upon.”
In addition to making the All-Conference team, Lambeth was the lone Raider player selected for the Southeast All-Region squad. The Southeast Region is made up of 14 schools spanning from Richmond County to Wilmington, all the way to Greenville.
“It’s great for Cole to be named to the All-Region team and hopefully that gets his name out there a little bit,” Larsen noted. “He was a consistent member of our midfield who distributed the ball and helped set up a lot of plays.
“Cole plays a position that isn’t flashy with stats, but he worked hard all season to do the dirty work to open up our offense,” he added. “Like Eric, these are great motivators for him coming back next season.”
Eric Legrand, Goalkeeper of the Year
Starting the season as Richmond’s reserve goalkeeper, Legrand split reps before becoming the team’s starter. He made appearances in all 22 matches and spent 1,440 minutes between the posts.
With a strong defense in front of him, Legrand limited opponents to just 2.0 goals per match. That was ranked as the fourth-best goals against average of all the keepers in the conference.
Averaging 7.5 saves per match, which was the second-most in the conference, Legrand totaled 165 saves this season. He was responsible for seven of the team’s wins and recorded one shutout victory against Hoke County.
“This truly is a blessing and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaches, fans and the love of God,” Legrand said. “One thing that helped me throughout the season was I didn’t get stuck on my mistakes, and I tried to get better every single day.
“This recognition gives me more faith and confidence for my senior year because I know that anything is possible if you have faith in God. If you truly trust and believe, there’s no opponent too tough or obstacle too big to overcome.”
Elen Fonseca Garcia, senior
Much of what Richmond did this season on the field went through Fonseca Garcia, who served as the team’s starting center defensive midfielder. Smooth on the touch, Fonseca Garcia provided extra support to the defense while also getting the offense started upfield.
Using his power, Fonseca Garcia served as Richmond’s go-to player on set pieces and long free kicks. He finished the season with three total goals, including one penalty kick goal against Terry Sanford.
Fonseca Garcia’s most pivotal tally was a goal against Hoke County late in the season, which proved to be the game-winner in a 1-0 victory.
“I feel incredibly honored,” Fonseca Garcia shared. “As a senior, it means a lot to see all the hard work finally pay off. I’m grateful for my coaches, teammates and everyone who pushed me to get better.
“My role as a center defensive mid is to control the tempo of the game. I stayed composed on the ball, made smart passes, communicated and it helped the whole team stay organized and balanced. I feel like that pushed us into the playoffs.
“My time as a Raider has meant everything to me,” Fonseca Garcia added. “It’s where I grew, not just as an athlete, but as a person. The school, the coaches and my teammates have shaped who I am today. My favorite memory is scoring a 40-yard long goal against Rolesville my junior year.”
Memphis Jacobs, senior
A three-year varsity player, Jacobs spent his senior season where he’d found success the previous two — up top as the Raiders’ leading striker. Fast with a strong shot, Jacobs led the team in scoring with eight goals this season and was the fifth-leading scorer in the MSC.
Twice this fall Jacobs scored two goals in a match. He did it first against Uwharrie Charter Academy and then did it again in a big win on senior night against Overhills. Jacobs scored solo goals in matches against Hoke County and Overhills, as well as the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Cape Fear.
One of Jacobs’ goals was a PK shot against Jack Britt. He was credited with two assists this season, which both came in a victory over Scotland.
“It feels great to make All-Conference for the first time,” Jacobs said. “I think it shows all the hard work I put in over the years. The biggest thing that helped me achieve being an All-Conference player was being a reliable player that my team could count on.
“Being a Raider has meant everything to me and I wish I could play a little longer with Richmond,” he continued. “My favorite memory as a player was when I scored two goals on my senior night.”
Cole Lambeth, junior
Working the center midfielder position, Lambeth proved to be a reliable two-way staple this season. Like Fonseca Garcia, Lambeth won a lot of battles in the midfield to help sway momentum away from Richmond’s goal and toward the opponents.
Playing at the varsity level for his second season, Lambeth broke out of the traditional midfielder role and helped stack the scoresheet for the Raiders. He ended his junior season with four goals, which ranked him third on the team.
Three of Lambeth’s goals were part of winning efforts. He scored one goal apiece in victories over Scotland, Uwharrie Charter and Pine Forest. His goal against the Fighting Scots proved to be the difference maker, and he scored the first of Richmond’s two goals in a one-goal win at Pine Forest.
Lambeth’s other goal was part of an overtime loss at Overhills. Twice this season Lambeth was credited with an assist, dishing out one against Terry Sanford and the other against Hoke County.
“It feels great to make All-Conference for the first time,” Lambeth explained. “I’ve worked very hard to be the best player and teammate I can be. I feel like my team and coaches have put me in a position to be successful and any recognition I receive is 100% a reflection of my teammates.
“I think everyone on the team knew and felt we had something special when we started this season,” he said of Richmond’s return to the playoffs. “Everyone returning, myself included, feels that we have the opportunity to build on this past season and continue to be great next season.”
