The Gloucester High School varsity boys again split games in recent soccer action. The Dukes beat Hampton, 2-1, on the road on Friday but lost, 2-0, to Hickory at GHS on May 13. 

Gloucester dominated the game with the Crabbers from the opening whistle. Building pressure from the middle, center midfielders Tip Vaughan and Hunter Tipton set up key attacks and helped the Dukes control the tempo of the game.

Nick Yarkey opened GHS scoring early with a driven shot to the lower corner of the net after the Dukes had bombarded the goal for the first 15 minutes of the game. In the second half, striker Chris Bendit found the net and increased the score to 2-0. Hampton prevented the shutout with a goal in the closing seconds. 

Gloucester came out strong against Hickory with Robert Hargrave and Clay Van Gieson leading the defense. With several diving saves, keeper Ryan Mahoney gave a great performance, holding the Hawks to only one first half goal. The Dukes’ offense had more of...