Trojans Kick Off Season with Hard-Fought 2-2 Draw Against Faith Christian
The Bethel Christian Academy (BCA) Trojans opened their soccer season on a hot afternoon yesterday, battling to a 2-2 tie against Faith Christian. Despite taking a commanding 2-0 lead early in the match, the Trojans were unable to maintain their advantage as Faith Christian mounted a determined comeback in the second half.
BCA, coming off a challenging 2-14 season last year, showed significant promise in their season opener. Eighth-grader Mason Wade set the tone for the Trojans, finding the back of the net in the first period with a well-placed shot. Junior Asher Strickland followed up with a second goal, giving BCA a cushion that seemed to set them on the path to victory.
However, the Trojans faced difficulties as the match wore on, with their stamina being put to the test under the sweltering conditions. Head Coach Ashley Stroud acknowledged the impact of the heat and the team’s inexperience in the post-game discussion. "First game of the season and the heat—you always think you are conditioned good enough, but you know practice conditions are different than game conditions. So we got a little gassed at the end," Stroud reflected.
The second half saw Faith Christian seize control of the midfield, creating multiple scoring opportunities that ultimately led to the two equalizing goals. "I thought Faith controlled the midfield the second half better than we did, gave them more chances," Stroud said, noting the shift in momentum.
Despite the draw, there were positive takeaways for the Trojans. With six or seven players new to the sport, BCA’s performance exceeded expectations, particularly given their limited experience. "We’ve got six or seven guys who’ve never played soccer before. They are athletic but never played. I was just pleased with what they picked up over the last two weeks at practice, and they really showed it in the game," Stroud said. "They kept their shape and didn't get out of position much. They are inexperienced soccer players, but I think they played to the best of their ability, so I am pleased with the game."
The Trojans will look to build on this solid start when they host Gramercy Christian, who are 1-1 on the season, in their home opener this Friday. With the early-season jitters out of the way, BCA will aim to secure their first win of the campaign.
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