Midway’s Raiders played team soccer from beginning to end Wednesday night, shutting out West Columbus and, in the process, making school history again by advancing to the second round of the state playoffs.
Playing with great heart and a strong desire to win, the Raiders hit the soccer field with one goal in mind — get the win. And get it they did, as Midway ran over the visiting Vikings on their way to a 6-0 shutout.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with these young men,” coach Allan McLamb said after the game. “They played exceptionally well tonight … and very much as a team.”
McLamb said the Raiders were communicating well, passing like they should and being available when needed by a teammate. “They are really seeing the field and giving it everything they’ve got.”
Midway scored 4 of their 6 goals in the first half, the first coming off a penalty kick from Jovani Espino.
That goal was followed by a Trey Murawksi assist to Alex Boggs for pay dirt and a 2-0 lead.
Only minutes later Raider Jimmy Blackman hit the back of the net with an assist by Matt McLamb. Then, Murawski found Espino, who struck soccer gold, giving Midway a 4-0 lead heading into the half.
The Vikings never found their footing, with the Raider defense playing strong and preventing the visitors from getting good looks while, at the same time, the offense continued their tear, adding two more goals before game’s end.
The final two goals came from Murawski, one a solo, the other on an assist from Blackman.
McLamb touted his players for the strength of their game and the all-out effort they gave. “I keep saying it, but it’s true — I couldn’t be prouder of these guys. They are peaking at just the right time, and they are playing great soccer.”
The Raiders will next face Spring Creek, the No. 1 ranked team in the Carolina 1A Conference. Game day and time has not yet been finalized.
But whenever the game is, McLamb said his boys would be ready. “Spring Creek is a good team, but if we play like we played tonight we can compete with them, and win or lose, if they play like they are doing right now, I’ll be happy.”
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