LAURINBURG — It’s been a hot and humid first two days of the season for the Fighting Scots soccer team.
Improvement has been the name of the game for head coach Danny Gallagher and his squad as they dropped their first two games to Gray’s Creek and Union Pines.
The Scots opened their season on Monday with a 9-1 loss to Gray’s Creek before dropping Tuesday’s home match to Union Pines, 6-2. Right out of the gate, Gray’s Creek to a commanding 7-0 lead into halftime, but the Scots tried to rebound scoring one goal to make it a 7-1 match. The Scots goal came too little too late as the Bears scored two additional goals in the second half to secure the 9-1 victory.
The second game in as many days for the Scots against Union Pines was miserably hot. Prior to the start of the game, Scots trainer Morgan Bran informed coaches and officials that the heat index was climbing to a dangerous level. After 20 minutes both teams were required to take a five-minute water break, per North Carolina High School Athletic Association hot weather management and prevention guidelines.
“The trainer told us at the beginning of the game the heat index was 115 so it was a scorcher for them,” Gallagher told WLNC.
Despite the heat and humidity, Gallagher said he saw improvement in his team against Union Pines. Union Pines took an early 4-1 lead, but a penalty kick goal by Scots senior Nyjel Collins-Jackson just under two minutes before the half gave the Scots a boost. James McIntyre scored the second goal for the Scots to take it a 4-2 game, before Union Pines scored two late goals to extend their lead and win the match, 6-2.
“Two games back-to-back they played much better, obviously trying to shuffle people around and not get anyone worn out because we do have another (game),” said Gallagher. “It was an improvement, I was pleased with the progress in one day and them just understand a little bit more positions and where they need to be and working together.”
The Scots finished up their first week of the season with a road game on Wednesday against St. Pauls. The team has a few days off before they return to the pitch on Monday to take on Gray’s Creek in Hope Mills. The Scots return home on Tuesday to take on Southern Lee.
Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.
