LAURINBURG — Scotland’s Adolfo Duran scored a goal to cut Union Pines’ lead to 2-1 with just under 10 minutes left in the game, but the Vikings prevailed for a 3-1 victory in a boys soccer match on Tuesday night.
After the Scots advanced the ball into their attacking third, Duran fired a high shot from the right sideline that dropped into the upper-left part of the goal, past the outstretched arms of Union Pines’ goalkeeper.
The Vikings’ Chris Lopez chipped in Union Pines’ third goal with 4:40 left in the game, and that was the final strike. Joshua Klotz scored both of the Vikings’ first two goals — the first came on a header in the first half, and the second came with around 15 minutes left in the game.
Scotland’s record fell to 0-1 with the loss. The Scots had a 1-0 lead at halftime against South View on Monday, but the second half was postponed due to lightning in the area.
Despite the loss on Tuesday, the Scots continued to show how much they’ve improved since last season — perhaps most notably in their ability to make crisp passes and advance the ball consistently into their opponents’ territory.
“Basically we’re taking people who played midfield traditionally, or played striker traditionally in the past, and putting them in the back,” Scotland coach Blake Dickerson said. “Those people are a little more comfortable on the ball, and I definitely think it’s helping out our defense because we’re actually able to calm down, find a pass, transition the ball, switch it if we need to. It’s definitely helping a lot.”
Offsides penalties stalled many of Scotland’s scoring opportunities in Monday’s game. The Scots continued to create opportunities for themselves on Tuesday, getting within inches of a second goal several times. One of their best chances came when Scotland’s attackers advanced the ball into the goal box with 30 1/2 minutes left in the match. Union Pines’ goalkeeper deflected one shot before saving another to end the threat.
“We’re creating a lot more plays,” Dickerson said. “I feel we’re able to open the ball up a lot more. Have more possession and attack more. Last year we really struggled on team chemistry. It’s here this year. Definitely here. We’ve really just got to focus on tactics and organization and formation.”
