Sam Stein, Ibrahim Mohamud, Bryant O'Neal, Jack Nickens and Elvis Wiredu |
The Broughton soccer team notched its second consecutive shutout, beating the Cary Imps 4-0 at Cary's Cooper Field. The match was much closer than the score would indicate, as Cary's strong midfield controlled possession for much of the night, but Broughton's strong defense, including a stellar showing from Junior keeper Jack Nickens, kept the Imps off the scoreboard. Broughton's constant pressure and counter-attacking made the difference in the match. as Broughton took advantage of its opportunities and Cary did not.
Senior co-captain Elvis Wiredu was a disruptive force throughout the match, and in the 11th minute, his firecracker from 35 yard deflected off a Cary defender and found the back of the net. Wiredu helped create the Caps' second goal 11 minutes later, sending a perfect pass to super-frosh Lucas Beeson on the left side of the box, and Beeson calmly slotted a pass to a charging Ibrahim Mohamud who easily finished the goal.
Nickens was caught wrong-footed in the 25th minute after a knuckling shot but quickly recovered and made a remarkable save.
Senior co-captain Bryant O'Neal decided to challenge the Cary keeper in the 38th minute, firing a rocket from over 40 yards out. A wise decision it was, as the keeper misplayed the shot, making the score 3-0 at the half. Cary actually outshot Broughton in the first half, 14-7, but Nickens' five saves repeatedly frustrated the home team.
Nickens came up big again in the 58th minute, making a kick save on a Cary breakaway, and two minutes later, Mohamud was fouled in the box. Super-sub Sam Stein calmly buried the penalty to end the scoring for the night. Broughton finished with 19 shots, 9 of them on goal while Cary had 23 shots, 9 on frame. Nickens totaled 9 saves on the night.
Broughton's record improved to 3-2. The Caps' have two more non-conference matches next week before beginning Cap-8 play the following week. Broughton first plays perennial power Cardinal Gibbons at Heritage High on Tuesday, September 1st and then East Wake at home the following night. Please come out and cheer for your Caps.