Greene Central Soccer EPC Champs; Awaits Playoff Brackets
Greene Central finished with a sensational 14-4-1 overall record and a 10-1-1 stampede through the Eastern Plain Conference. The Rams won the EPC Championship earlier this week and then faced off in a scheduled game against the #1 team in the 2A East, Clinton. The Rams played them tough in a 1-0 loss—a disappointing loss but a learning experience going into the playoffs.
Leader: Miguel Zavala
Before we dive into the achievements of the season, let's talk about Miguel Zavala, a player whose leadership has been felt both on and off the pitch. With 11 goals to his name this season, Zavala is more than just a goal-scorer. Coach Baird speaks volumes about him, describing him as a "Senior, leader, on and off the field, very vocal—just a great leader."
A Triumph Hard-Earned
Head coach Baird couldn't have summarized it better: "Super excited, these guys played hard. Good group of boys—it wasn't easy." In a cutthroat league featuring formidable opponents like Washington and North Pitt, every game was a battle. But as Baird pointed out, the Rams "fought to the very end," culminating in a conference championship that came down to a nail-biting final match.
Offensive Prowess
On the offensive end, the Rams have been a goal-scoring juggernaut. In addition to Zavala, Josh Osorio has scorched the nets with 14 goals. Additional artillery comes from Alex Contreras with 10 goals, and Jose Gonzalez with 9. It's not just about individual brilliance; Gonzalez also leads the team in assists with 11, closely followed by Adrian Acevedo with 10, showcasing a true team effort.
The Wall That Is Tayshon Edwards
Tayshon Edwards has been nothing short of monumental between the posts. Conceding only eight goals across 18 matches, he's added 73 saves and six shutouts to his resume. Edwards' consistency has given the Rams the confidence to press forward, knowing they have a steadfast last line of defense.
A Legacy in the Making
This isn't a flash in the pan for Greene Central. The Rams have built a legacy over the past decade, making the postseason for 10 consecutive years. With a third-round exit in last year's playoffs and a heart-wrenching loss in the 2021 state championship, the motivation for a deep run this year is palpable.
What Lies Ahead
"It couldn't be much better," said Baird when asked about his team's form heading into the playoffs. The brackets will be unveiled this Friday, but one thing is certain: Greene Central will host a playoff game on October 30th.
Attention all local sports enthusiasts! Do you have insider information on your favorite local sports team? Submit to The Score below and let our team of experts bring it to life. Don't miss out on the chance to share what happened at your local sporting event - submit now and become part of the story!
Neuse News Sports is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to cover all schools, all sports, and all athletes in Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties.
We provide this free sports news by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local sports news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News Sports with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
