Sea Devils Dominate Exhibition Against Shaw
In Short: Cape Fear Men's Soccer capitalized in exhibition with the Shaw University Bears Development Team and showed off their strength as a unit.
Highlights:
The Sea Devils have had many opportunities to take on 4-year University opponents this season - where they have been exposed to various styles of play and levels of skill. The Cape Fear Men's Soccer team enjoys being challenged by NCAA opponents and was excited to take the pitch against the Shaw University Bears on their home turf.
The Sea Devils started the match out of sync at first as the Bears scored the first goal of the exhibition. However, this initial deficit lit a fire under the Sea Devils as they made the conscious choice to band together and stand strong.
After that point, there was no holding back for Cape Fear. The Sea Devils dominated with their ball control and making smart, controlled decisions while still keeping a high tempo. While Shaw continued to persevere and break through the defensive line, the Sea Devils kept them in check for the rest of the game and shut down any other advances.
The Freshman class showed out with Isaac Puente-Castro and Joseph Masaid scoring 2 goals each while returning Sophomore Marcello Afonso also contributed 2 goals. Freshman Dawson Cox also came into the mix earning 1 goal for the Sea Devils by the end of the exhibition.
Freshman Rocky Mangual Jr. made his starting debut as goalkeeper for the Sea Devils with great composure and communication throughout. "He looked comfortable back there and made a couple early saves with our slow start," says Head Men's Soccer Coach Dave Martin.
"We want to play a high level of football here at Cape Fear, and we did that again today," reflects Coach Martin. "However, in order to win more games, we need to be organized in transition and defend counter attacks as they come. Run, hunt, and play again."
Up Next: Cape Fear will travel to Patrick & Henry on Friday, September 23rd for their Region 10 Conference matchup at 4PM in Axton, VA.