North Moore Soccer now 3-0

The North Moore Mustangs opened conference play Monday at Northwood. The Mustangs entered the match 2-0 on the season.

North Moore had 8 shots in the first half, but couldn’t put one on the net. Northwood scored before the first half ended off of a free kick. The team figured out what they needed to do and started the second half, playing more collectively. The second half was a very different game, with renewed vigor and purpose from the Mustangs. Coaches had to make tactical changes to the formation that allowed the team to close gaps and to be more aggressive in counter attacks. At the beginning of the second half, they fouled Mustangs sophomore Christopher Betancourt in the box. That allowed the team to tie the game with a successful penalty kick.

North Moore kept up the momentum and shortly after Freshman Gabriel Moreno scored off of a rebound with a well placed finish. The third goal came off of a beautiful play with a crucial through ball from Rafael Romero to Chris Betancourt. Chris then gave a quality pass across to his brother, Ricky Betancourt, to put the ball back on the net. Northwood came closer as they scored their second goal about 6 minutes before the end of the second half. However, another goal from senior Ricky put the final score 2-4.

The Mustangs are now 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference. They will travel tomorrow to Ascend Academy for a non-conference match.

Article and Photo contributed by North Moore soccer coach Luis Peralta.