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By Brian Pitts

Enterprise Record

In a game at North Davidson on Aug. 30, Davie’s JV soccer team buried the misery of 22 straight losses, six straight shutout losses and just two goals in the previous 18 games.

After trailing at halftime, the War Eagles rallied for a 2-1 victory, the first since a 5-0 decision over North Davidson in January of 2021.

“It felt good,” first-year coach Scott McBain said after Davie improved to 1-4. “We played a little bit better, so we got to bring home a victory. It was fun to finally get a win. It was a breath of fresh air for us.”

In the second half, a Manny Alanis goal tied the score.

“He dribbled inside the box and placed the ball neatly in the corner,” McBain said.

Fifteen minutes later, Abdullah Guver provided the game-winner.

“He took a long shot and it sailed over the goalie’s head right into the side netting,” McBain said. “It was a very evenly-matched game, with shots coming from both sides. A lot of good passing combinations.”

One obvious factor in the outcome was Jase Orrell, who earned high praise for his play at forward and sweeper.

“We had some good defensive plays,” McBain said. “One of the better players is Jase. He’s all over the field defending and setting up plays. He runs like he’s got no limitation on his batteries. Without him, we probably wouldn’t have a chance. He’s a crucial player.”

Two more factors were goalie David Fishel and Jake Kittleson, who changed positions and made a seamless transition to one of the defensive spots.

“My keeper played one of his better games,” McBain said. “He knocked a few over the net and saved a few. We had worked out Saturday, doing a little extra practice, and it paid off I guess because he was more motivated and he saved a lot of good shots.

“Jake did a good job defending. It was his first time playing defense for us, so I think he’s found a new position.”

Back in the season opener at West Cabarrus, Davie was an unlucky 1-0 loser as the second half was called off because of lightning. This time Davie caught a break. The N. Davidson game was stopped by lightning with 15 minutes remaining.

“It was maybe a little unfair to them,” McBain said. “But who knows, we might have scored again.”

One day before traveling to N. Davidson, Davie lost 4-0 to visiting Forbush. Davie had been outscored 12-0 by four opponents.