The Mathews High School soccer program has started its 2019 season strong, the varsity team getting two wins and a loss, while the JV team earned a win and a tie.

In the varsity-only season opener on March 11 at Lancaster High School, Mathews shut out the Red Devils, 5-0, with Miles Maggioncalda scoring four of the goals. Jonny McCann scored the other Mathews goal. Assists came from Will Hutcheson, Laney Hall, Calvin Kramer, Lucas Nunnally and Maddie Maggioncalda.

Mathews had a much tougher opponent in last Wednesday’s home opener against Rappahannock. Mathews gave the 2018 Class 1A state runners-up quite a fight, but ended up falling to the Raiders, 2-1, in overtime.

The more athletic Raiders dominated time of possession, but gave up opportunities on the counter attack. The lone Mathews goal was scored by Miles Maggioncalda, who bent the ball around the keeper into the net from the left side of the field, which gave Mathews a 1-0 lead. The Raiders responded, sending the conte...