Raleigh, NC - In an interesting match up between #9 Athens Drive (8-1) and a much-improved Wake Forest squad (4-6), it was the Jaguars of Athens Drive who came out victorious with a 14-5 final score. With spring break right around the corner and Wake Forest having its best season in program history, this game looked like it might have an upset brewing through the first 3 quarters.
Wake Forest drew first blood with an unassisted goal by Sophomore attackman Ian Howard at the 9:54 mark. Athens Drive answered back with 4 consecutive goals, led by Junior midfielder Aaron Morgan scoring twice. Despite the 4-1 score, Wake Forest held their own in what was a scrappy and physical first quarter.
Things got even more interesting when in the second period. Athens struck early with an unassisted goal from Junior attackman Reid Koonce, and it seemed like the Jags might begin to pull away. Wake Forest responded quickly with another goal from Howard, making the score 6-2.
Aaron Morgan would then complete his hat trick with a man-up goal assisted by Chris Alcorn with 8:38 left in the second. A minute later Wake Forest's Lance Bradley scored the goal of the game. Following a hard ride by Wake Forest, Bradley scooped up a loose ball from about 10 yards out, backed down 2 Athens defenders and let rip with a perfectly placed bouncer. The Cougars would add another goal from Senior Austin Julian to make the halftime score 6-4.
The third quarter was a defensive battle, with neither team able to find much success on the offensive side of the field. The lone score of the quarter was an unassisted tally from Athens Senior attackman Alex Waller giving the Jags a 7-4 lead heading into the fourth.
In the final quarter it was Waller who took over the game scoring 4 goals in the final stanza, and squashing any hopes of a Wake Forest upset. Athens outscored Wake Forest 7-1 including 5 unanswered goals in the last 7 minutes.
Wake Forest played hard and had some nice performances from Ian Howard (2g) and Lance Bradley (2g). Waller led all scorers with 5 goals, Koonce added 3 more, while Chris Acorn tallied 4 assists.
Athens Drive hosts Cary in their next game on 4/10, while Wake Forest will host Corinth Holders on 4/17.
Box Score
| Team |
1Q |
2Q |
3Q |
4Q |
Final |
| Athens Drive |
4 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
14 |
| Wake Forest |
1 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
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