Sink, Cao shine in soccer win

Published 9:20 am Thursday, March 17, 2022

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By Brian Pitts

Enterprise Record

Davie’s varsity soccer team allowed its first goal, which resulted in its first loss, against North Davidson, but a lot of positive news came out of the next game as Davie shut out Alexander Central.

The home game against North Davidson on March 8 was 1-0 at halftime and the score never changed as Davie slipped to 2-1.

“We ramped it up in the second half and played our game,” coach Corbin Kopetzky said. “We just couldn’t find the back of the net. I think the (rainy) weather had a little bit to do with that.”

Davie attempted three shots in the second half. None would fall.

“We started playing to the outside, something we’re very strong with, and were crossing it in,” Kopetzky said. “So we set ourselves up for a lot better possessions and a lot better looks.”

The Black Knights’ one goal proved to be their only real chance to score.

“We have a very strong back four,” he said. “I would put them up against almost anybody. But North had a girl that could fly. She took a good touch, took off and put it in the back of the net. They really didn’t take a lot of shots on us. They had five or six. The only one that was on frame was the one that went in.”

Davie 4, AC 0

The War Eagles recovered nicely on the road on March 10 and recorded their third shutout in four games. The last time they gave up no more than one goal in a span of four games was 2014.

“We played our game,” Kopetzky said. “I think we fixed some mistakes from North Davidson. We changed a couple things and looked 10 times better than we did (vs. North).”

Lexi Kulis was the offensive catalyst, scoring two goals and adding an assist. Jaden Sink and Katie Shupe had the other goals as Davie pulled away after a 1-0 first half. Kulis leads the team with four goals.

“Lexi’s been big for us,” he said. “She’s making plays happen. She’s done what I’ve asked her to do up top.”

The War Eagles did not have center back/captain Emily Garner because of injury, but they had an absolutely sensational Sink.

“Jaden stepped up in every aspect of the field,” he said. “She got player of the game and player of the week. She was unreal. She had a goal off a corner. She would have had two, but she got clobbered on a header and just barely missed the goal.”

Riley Almond was fantastic as she moved to defense to help fill Garner’s void.

“That’s where she played primarily before this season,” he said. “I had moved her up because she’s in great shape, can make the runs up and down and she’s very aggressive.”

Cat Rosser and Christine Cao joined the starting lineup as midfielders and they played major parts.

“They had big games,” he said. “It was the best game I’ve seen Christine play. Coach (Collin) Ferebee said it’s the best game he’s seen her have in the two years he’s been coaching. She turned it up.”