The speed, size and strength of the ABC Warriors proved too much for the young King’s Warriors Soccer Club Monday afternoon in Beckley. A total of nine goals in the game certainly made the fans happy.
ABC jumped out quickly to a 2-0 lead in just the first six minutes of play, and it looked like it was going to be a long evening for the King’s Warriors. But David Blume evaded his man marker in the left corner and found Asher Bailey in the center, who scored decisively to close the gap to 2-1. Midway through the first half, Austin Fink centered from the right corner to Brayan Calix-Herrera, who beat the keeper to tie the score 2-2. ABC was able to score again just before the half to make it 3-2.
The King’s Warriors regrouped at half time and really played well the second half, controlling most of the possession and getting multiple shots on goal. Unfortunately, their offensive pressure left ABC with several offensive runs against a spread-out defense. ABC scored again to make it 4-2, but Calix-Herrera responded quickly to cut the deficit to 4-3. ABC got behind the defense again to increase their lead back to two goals.
The King’s Warriors continued to press the attack, but ABC put the nail in the coffin late in the game to make the final score 6-3.
The game was great for the King’s Warriors because it showed them they could play with and score on bigger, faster, older teams. It also revealed areas of weakness that need to be strengthened.
Next up, the KWSC goes to Grundy, VA, to participate in the Mountain Mission School Invitational Tournament, Sept. 8 and 9.