The King’s Warriors enjoyed some great competition with Mercer Christian Academy over the last few days. The JV dropped a 5-2 decision to MCA on Saturday, but came back to defeat MCA’s middle school 2-0 on Monday. JoJo Breeden and Aaron Smith scored.
The varsity games were definitely stark contrasts. The King’s Warriors played poorly Saturday and were fortunate to have a 1-0 lead at half-time after Andrew Smith got behind the MCA goalkeeper to score. David Blume converted a second half penalty kick and Izaiah Ciampanella scored late in the game. The Warriors defense scored an own goal for a 3-1 win.
The Monday night game was a totally different affair. One of the referees had been at both games and was heard on the side line asking if it was the same King’s Warriors team playing. They were truly firing on all cylinders. The attack strung together multiple passes that created shot after shot. Forward Austin Fink finally broke a six-game scoreless drought early in the first half to net the game winner. Later in the half he one-touched home a beautiful cross from Andrew Smith for his second goal. David Blume dribbled through the heart of the MCA defense to slot home his first goal of the night. Shortly before half-time, he doubled his goal tally with a brilliant 40-yard volley that caught the MCA goalkeeper completely off guard. Leading 4-0 at the half the King’s Warriors substituted liberally. As the second half began, David Blume picked up an errant pass from the MCA keeper and completed his hat trick with a shot to the right “upper 90.” He was then subbed out for the rest of the game.
The King’s Warriors younger players were able to hold off the Cavaliers attack the rest of the half, even though MCA displayed a great “never give up” attitude and really kept the pressure on the Warriors defense. With the 5-0 win goalkeeper Dakota-Jack Spurgin posted his third shutout and the Warriors improved to 4-3 on the season. They will likely have this weekend off due to a cancellation and will be back in action Saturday, Sept. 30th against Tri-Cities Christian School in Hickory, NC.