Mustangs Men’s Soccer Ranked Number 1
The North Moore Mustangs Men’s Soccer team is now ranked 1st in the NCHSAA 1A standings.
“The team is feeling very confident, and sometimes we need a jolt of reality to reset our focus and not get distracted. The boys are, understandably, very excited at the result of their hard work so far,” said Coach Luis Peralta.
The undefeated Mustangs have had a few close calls, but have fought their way back. The Mustangs have one tie on their 8-0-1 record from September 7, when they hosted conference opponent. That game ended in a 4-4 tie.
“I feel that so far; we have accomplished great things. Being the only 1A school playing in our conference, we have made a positive and powerful impact, but we know we can’t let up now. We will continue to push hard to finish the season strong as a team and accomplish our goals,” said Peralta.
Photo by Lynn Pennington
9/5 — 4-3 win against Southeast Alamance
With eight games left in the regular season, the Mustangs schedule won’t be any easier than the first half of the season. They will travel to Sanford to take on 8-1 Grace Christian on Monday and seven more conference games, including a re-match at Jordan Matthews on October 9.
“As we round the second half of the season, we look forward to improving all the small things that will set us apart, and making a deep run into the State Playoffs this year. Eyes on the prize, and this year’s team is hungry for a championship title. It’s all about mentality and pushing through any obstacles in our way as a unit, trusting each other, and remaining committed,” said Peralta.
“When I found out about being #1 in the NC Class 1A East, I was impressed, but I also was happy that the team’s effort and hard work is apparent. When I told the team about it, I also reminded them that we are just at the halfway mark of the season and that we need to continue working hard because the 2nd half of the season will be more challenging. We have to defend that title now, and teams will not not underestimate us a second time,” said Peralta.
The Mustangs have been sitting in the number one spot in the NC Class 1A East for two weeks according to Max Preps rankings. They have become ranked number one in the NCHSAA 1A this week.
“We think about it game by game and practice by practice; our focus will be the next match. I want them to work hard for the next game. We are striving for a successful season, but we need to prepare ourselves to do our best in the next game in order for us to achieve our goals. We will climb the ladder to success one game, one practice, one goal at a time, and remain focused,” said Peralta.
“I would like to thank everyone that supports the team, including parents, student athletes, my student manager, school staff and administrators, and my Assistant coach (coach Chloe Peralta), who has helped me tremendously and is one reason along the team's effort for the great season we are having; and to my parents, who keeps supporting me with my coaching career,” said Peralta.
The Mustangs will take on 8-1 Grace Christian tonight for a non-conference match and a home conference match against Northwood on Wednesday. The Mustangs defeated Northwood 4-2 in their last meeting.
This article is sponsored by Southern Pines Youth Rugby
You can visit their website at www.southernpinesyouthrugby.com
