The King’s Warriors Soccer Club D1 Varsity team continued their winning ways with a hard fought 5-3 victory over Richlands, VA, on Saturday, Dec. 21. After falling behind 1-0, the Warriors pressure resulted in Richlands conceding an own goal to tie the game. The Warriors then went ahead 2-1 at halftime. After increasing their lead to 3-1, they seemed to relax. Richlands took advantage and scored two quick goals to tie the game 3-3. With only a few minutes remaining the King’s Warriors sensed the urgency of the match and poured on the offense. Caleb Okes then scored his third goal, which also proved the game winner. Then Chance Blevins scored the “goal of the day” to seize the 5-3 victory with only seconds left. With the Richlands keeper coming out hard, Blevins faked a shot which took the keeper to the floor to block the attempt. He then calmly chipped the ball over and into the empty net. The King’s Warriors will take on the Pikeview Panthers after the holiday break.
The King’s Warriors 3rd-5th grade team played their first match against a much older, bigger, and more experienced team. They dropped the decision 11-1 with Adalee Blevins’ goal preventing the shutout. Johnny Wheeler put forth a valiant effort in the goal, while Andrew Helmick, Mason Tooze, Hudson Jones, and Chloe Blevins performed admirably on the court. The young King’s Warriors executed well, and will undoubtedly improve as the season progresses.
The Warriors D2 team played a double header. They faced an improved Shady Spring in their first match. While in control of much of the game, the King’s Warriors substituted freely to keep the match enjoyable for both teams. Leading 6-4 with only a minute left, Shady scored two quick goals to salvage a 6-6 tie. Hannah Willis and Isaac Beckett both scored twice, while Aaron Smith and Chance Blevins added one goal each.
After a brief rest period, the Warriors had to play again, this time against a very strong Beckley team, arguably the best D2 team in the league. The Warriors just ran out of gas as the game progressed, and lost the match 12-4. Hannah Willis and Chance Blevins both scored two. The poor showing was compounded by goal keeper Jonah Blevins becoming ill and not being able to play the second game, which significantly limited the team’s strength. Fortunately, the teams will meet again later in the season, and the King’s Warriors are looking forward to a rematch.
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