Local Teams Advance in NCHSAA Soccer 1st Round

The NCHSAA 2A Soccer playoffs kicked off with gusto last night, with three area teams clinching playoff berths.

1A EAST

No. 12 Jones Senior (11-5) edged out No. 21 North Duplin (4-12-2) 3-2 in a thrilling double-overtime affair. Oliver Pfyl was the Trojan’s linchpin, tallying 5 points on the back of 2 goals and an assist. Kevin Sanchez-Valdez chipped in with another goal.

Up next for Jones Senior is a home clash against No. 28 Oxford Prep (6-14-3) on Thursday night.

2A EAST

In a stunning upset, No. 26 North Lenoir (11-9) took down No. 7 Spring Creek (14-9-1) 3-2. Hawks standouts Jesus Tyndall and Israel Almanza netted a goal apiece, while Maddox Smith contributed an assist and buried a penalty kick.

The Hawks will hit the road to face No. 10 Heide Trask (12-11-1) on Thursday.

No. 5 Greene Central (15-4-1) made short work of No. 28 Princeton (10-7-1) with a 6-0 thrashing. The Rams’ offensive juggernaut was led by Josh Osorio, Jose Gonzalez, and Miguel Zavala, each bagging a brace. Adrian Acevedo dished out two assists to cap off a dominant performance.

Greene Central will roll out the welcome mat for No. 12 Research Triangle (15-3-2) on Thursday.

With the stakes elevating, Thursday’s second-round matches promise high-octane action. Keep your eyes peeled.