Apex, NC - For two teams that know each other so well, it was no surprise to see the first half turn
into a defensive affair as both teams meet for the first of two regular season meetings. Middle
Creek used a solid defensive effort along with a 6-1 third quarter scoring advantage to come
away on the night with an 11-4 victory.
On the night, Middle Creek was paced by its offensive leader Owen Caputo with 5 goals
and 1 assist. It was only fitting that he was the team’s catalyst on this night as he broke 400
career points. After struggling in the first half with only 1 goal, Caputo exploded in the third
quarter with a hat trick and an assist. At 9:46 in the third quarter, Caputo came out of a loose
ball pile with the ball, flew down the field, and netted his third goal of the game.
The defense was backstopped by Lance Skelton who had 8 saves and only allowed 4
goals on the night and AJ King. The Apex Cougars went scoreless from the 3:05 mark in the first
quarter until finally breaking the drought at 2:39 in the third quarter with a goal from Preston
Lalicker.
In addition to Caputo, Middle Creek saw a balanced scoring attack from James Tolentino
(2g), David Baird (1g), Thomas Weird (2g), and James Slaight (1g) who all got on the board. The
team also continues to use its dominance at the face-off x to control games with face-off
specialist, Graham Schwartz, going 12 for 16 on the night.
On the night, Apex was paced by Preston Lalicker who finished with 2 goals and 1 assist.
Lalicker kicked the game off by winning the initial face-off, and then quickly scoring only 12
seconds into the game. This would be the only time all night that Middle Creek would trail.
Apex also saw 9 saves on the night by Zach Vigue.
The Mustangs next take their undefeated record to Fuquay-Varina, while Apex will look
to get back above the .500 mark with a game against Garner Magnet.
Back to Previous Page