Golden Falcons collect shutout on home pitch

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 18, 2008 3:23 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- Goals have been a precious commodity for the Charles B. Aycock girls' soccer team this season.

And Thursday evening was no exception.

The Golden Falcons preserved a late first-half goal with solid defense and captured a 1-0, non-conference decision over South Central on the Hardy Talton Stadium pitch. C.B. Aycock rose to 2-0-2 in its last four outings and 5-7-2 overall this season.

"We play hard (but) we just don't put up the numbers I feel like we're capable of," said second-year head coach Tom Zietlow. "We're on the last edge of scoring, but we haven't been able to finish it yet. Goals have come at a high price this year, so far.

"We've really had to pay our dues to get them in there."

Aycock entered the contest with just three goals in the last 260 minutes of action, including an overtime draw against conference foe Kinston. Zietlow's team needed another 37-plus minutes to notch its fourth goal.

Senior midfielder Mallory Peacock ran onto a loose ball near midfield, dribbled toward the right side and fired a cross back to Jessica Price. The sophomore, who had just entered the game, picked up the pass and challenged the last South Central defender for position in the penalty area.

Keeper Crystal Rouse stayed on her line and Price never flinched as she tucked a low shot inside the far post. It was Price's second goal of the season.

"She didn't back off the keeper, took the contact and she did exactly what we needed her to do," said Zietlow.

The Golden Falcons missed chances to add to their one-goal advantage. They owned a 10-1 edge in shots and attempted 11 corner kicks, including six in the second half.

"Oh my gosh," Zietlow said of the corner kick futility. "Some of those corners were sitting right in front of the goal and we didn't stick them in. That's not being strong enough on balls and getting beat to balls.

"They gave us every opportunity to score and we just didn't take advantage of it."

South Central's lone shot attempt, saved by goalie Patrice Pittman, occurred in the final four minutes of regulation. The Falcons (0-13-3) suffered their third one-goal loss of the season and 15th defeat by shutout overall.

Courtney Sheeks combined with Pittman in goal for Aycock's shutout.

Aycock entertains Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference leader Wilson Hunt today. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.