Published: 11:23 PM, Thu May 10, 2012
Terry Sanford falls to Fuquay-Varina in girls' soccer playoffs
The Tri-Nine Conference is known for producing outstanding soccer teams.
Terry Sanford got a first-hand look at that premise Thursday night when it fell at home to Fuquay-Varina, 1-0, in the opening round of the NCHSAA 4-A Girls' Soccer Playoffs.
The Bengals (9-11-2) will visit New Hanover, a 9-0 winner over Knightdale, in second-round action Saturday, while Terry Sanford ends its season at 16-5-2.
"I heard scouting reports on them, and all of them were wrong," Terry Sanford coach CJ Komons said of Fuquay-Varina, the sixth-place team out of the Tri-Nine and a wild-card entry into the playoffs.
"The competition in Raleigh is unlike it is here.
"Just because they didn't have a winning record doesn't mean they aren't a good team. Soccer is just different in Raleigh than it is in Fayetteville."
The Bengals wasted little time showing their credentials as they controlled the match from the opening whistle.
The opening half featured 14 shots from the visitors, including the game's only goal in the 19th minute.
Natalie Borto sent in a teasing cross from the right wing and it fell to Ellie Barnes just to the right of the penalty spot.
Barnes blasted the ball into the top of the Terry Sanford net for what would prove to be the game-winning goal.
Despite numerous opportunities near the Bulldog penalty area, Fuquay-Varina was unable to get an insurance goal, which made for a tense second half for coach James Mountford.
"I was hoping we could put one more in, but their keeper was good. They were very organized at the back. Even though we had the play and the possession, they kept us from getting really good opportunities on goal."
While they may not have been point-blank chances, the Bengals forced Bulldog keeper Karly Gustafson into 16 saves while outshooting the hosts 25-2.
Neither Terry Sanford shot was on target.
"Every time we found the ball and actually tried to get it forward, (Sarah Burns), who I personally think was MVP of that game, she gobbled everything up. She was everywhere."
Despite the loss, Komons had high praise for his team's efforts this season.
"The season was fantastic. We had 16 wins in the regular season. You can't ask for much more than that. It just stunk that we decided to wait until today to not play as well as we could have."
Fuquay-Varina 1, Terry Sanford 0
Fuquay-Varina 1 1 - 0
Terry Sanford 0 0 - 0
Goals: FV - Ellie Barnes
Assists: FV - Natalie Borto
Records: Fuquay-Varina 9-11-2, Terry Sanford 16-5-2