The Mathews High School varsity soccer team, winners of the Tidewater District championship, defeated Lancaster, 5-1, in last Wednesday’s opening round of regional play before falling in the Group 1 Region A quarterfinals on Friday to a strong Rappahannock squad, 3-0.

The Blue Devils hosted Lancaster in the opening game of the tournament, as the two teams faced off for the second time this season.

Having handily won the first matchup, Mathews approached the game with confidence. The Blue Devils found themselves trailing by a goal only 20 seconds into the contest, after a defensive miscue left an open goal for the Lancaster striker. MHS immediately stepped up the pressure and earned numerous shots on goal, but could not find a way to convert.

The ice was finally broken with 15 minutes remaining in the half, as a cross from Miles Maggioncalda connected with Austen Wood for the goal, tying the game, 1-1. The match remained closely contested until halftime, with neither squad able...