The Queen’s Grant Stallions picked up their first victory of the young season with a 4-1 dominating win over Corvian Community School in a non-conference contest.
Playing on their home field the Stallions appeared to make some key adjustments from their first game loss. The team chemistry, passing and flow of the game was much more crisp and fluid. It was obvious from the start the team and coaching staff made some key adjustments from their opener.
Junior mid-fielder Carlos Resillas would score his first goal of the season off a rebound and would slam a shot past the beaten goalkeeper midway through the first half to take a 1-0 lead. Resillas handled the rebound nicely and without hesitation took advantage of the opportunity.
Then with just five minutes into the second half Micah Parker would score on blast inside the corner post of the net for his initial goal of the season to take a 2-0 lead. Through this point in the game the Stallions certainly controlled the time of possession and were now in command.
Midway through the half Cristian Rosado another hustling junior mid-fielder scored his first goal of the season off a rebound of an initial shot by David Steger past the diving Cabarrus goalkeeper to give the Stallions a comfortable 3-0 lead. Just four minutes later, on a corner kick a Corvian defender leaping high into the air inside the box accidentally directed the ball with a header in the wrong direction to the top left hand corner of the net for a score giving the Stallions a 4-0 advantage with the game clock in the Stallions favor.
The Cardinals from Corvian would add a late goal with three minutes remaining on a fast break beating the Stallions defense on the play to avoid the shut-out. The Stallions played well throughout the match, however played a little sloppy in the final five minutes allowing their opponent to get behind the defense.
After the match, during a post-game interview with Head Soccer Coach Mark Guercio he provided some insightful analysis of the game and the team. “He mentioned we always want to win, however, the development of the team is of more vital importance at this point in the season.” The team did a better job and was more effective in spacing and runs off ball. “We made a few changes to our formation to better suit our players, and we saw some improvement in our ability to establish a defensive and offensive form. Communication and poise are still issues. You don’t want to be a finished product at this point in the season.”
Meanwhile, the team has experienced two difficult injuries to key players. The Stallions lost Jackson Dembroeder to a concussion, and Carlos Resillas to a leg injury. When these starters return at the moment is unknown and questionable. “Their absence will definitely be felt, and other players will have to step in and step up,” said coach Guercio.
The Stallions will hit the road in their next three games playing away matches against Arborbrook Christian Academy, in Matthews, Parkwood High School in Monroe, and East Mecklenburg. They will return home on 9/16 against Langtree Charter Academy.
