Hornets Rally in Thrilling Comeback; South Rowan Dominates Thomasville

In a dramatic high school girls’ soccer matchup on March 12, 2024, the Salisbury Hornets overcame a 2-0 deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory against Ledford at Wallburg. After two convincing wins at the start of the season, this match proved to be a true test for the Hornets.

Head coach Matt Parrish described the early moments of the match as a “legitimate reality check.” The Hornets found themselves trailing just seven minutes in, which served as a pivotal moment for the team. “Slowly, but surely, we found our footing,” Parrish noted.

Comeback Performance

Salisbury managed to narrow the gap to 2-1 with ten minutes remaining in the first half. Anna Kate Goodman showcased her skills by intercepting the ball in midfield, maneuvering past defenders, and delivering a precise shot into the back corner of the net. “It was a goal that told our girls they belonged,” Parrish remarked, emphasizing the importance of the moment for a young team.

During halftime, assistant coach Landon Goodman encouraged the players, stating, “the next goal wins this match.” The second half saw Ledford initially dominating possession, but the tide turned when Maddie Crabb created an opportunity by passing to Goodman, who scored again, equalizing the match at 2-2 with 22 minutes remaining.

As the match progressed, Salisbury displayed greater offensive opportunities. Freshman Macy Jones emerged as a game-changer, heading in the decisive goal from a throw-in by Goodman with less than seven minutes left on the clock. “It was the second time in three games that Jones has scored almost immediately after being inserted into the lineup,” Parrish remarked, noting the effectiveness of recent adjustments made during practice.

The Hornets improved their season record to 3-0, bolstered by notable performances from players including Gabbi Fatovic, who covered an impressive distance, and other key contributors like Lola Koontz, Elsie Hinson, Meredith Williams, Emmaline Meyers, and Jamilet Figueroa. Parrish expressed immense pride in his team, stating, “I don’t have enough superlatives to express my appreciation for the individual players, the team, or the effort tonight.”

Other Matches

In a separate match, South Rowan secured a commanding 9-0 victory against Thomasville. Freshman Anabelle Chavis led the Raiders with three goals, while teammates Cailynn Withers, Sophie Steedley, Adeline Rodgers, Brooke Oehler, and Breanna Clem each contributed to the scoring, giving South Rowan a strong start to their season.

Meanwhile, the East Rowan Mustangs faced a setback, losing 2-1 against Central Davidson. Lucy Stanly scored the lone goal for East, while Addie Lambert made an impressive 20 saves, showcasing her defensive skills despite the loss.

Looking ahead, the Salisbury Hornets will next face Southwestern Randolph on Thursday at 18:00 in Ludwig Stadium, aiming to maintain their winning streak and build on their recent success.