The Mathews High School soccer teams kicked off their season with a JV co-ed and varsity boys’ scrimmage at Rappahannock High School on March 17. The JV Devils lost their game, 5-1, with eighth grader Brijido Fraire scoring the only goal.
The varsity squad had one goal by Stanley Ouma five minutes into the game, with an assist by Salvador Cardenas. The Raiders tied up the score late into the second half. Other than the 1-1 score, MHS goalkeeper Adam Dustin did not let any other goals slide by him in his territory. Dustin managed two back-to-back saves, one leading to a corner kick and another shot on goal by Rappahannock, which he did not let pass.
The second game was held at MHS against the Northumberland Indians on Friday. The JV Blue Devils took its first win of the season with a final of 4-0. Eighth grader Meredith Salvadori scored the first goal of the game, followed by two goals from Eric Cardenas, and one by Leah Hyde.
Varsity boys followed the JV squad with the second win for the night. They ended the night with a final score of 6-1 against the Indians. Senior Seth James opened the game with the first goal for the Blue Devils, followed by Chance Higginbotham, Stanley Ouma, two goals by Henry Sowers, and ending the game was a goal from Elias Hidalgo.
On Monday night, the Blue Devils hosted the Raiders for their second matchup of the season. The JV Devils had a tough loss, ending their game with a final of 6-1. Meredith Salvadori scored the only goal for MHS, as she had an assist by Eric Cardenas early into the match.
Varsity kicked off their game hoping for a win, but came up short in the end with a 1-0 loss to Rappahannock. Goalie Adam Dustin maintained a strong showing this game, only letting one goal get by him.
After these games, the MHS girls’ soccer team will travel to Westmoreland High School on Wednesday for its first regular season game. The JV and varsity boys’ teams will be back in action following Spring Break on April 9, along with the girls’ team for the first tripleheader of the season.
