Millbrook boys soccer
You really can't blame East Wake's defenders for getting physical with Millbrook junior Austin Dietz (white jersey) Wednesday night. Dietz scorched the Warriors for three goals, and this was one of the few times they caught up to him.
Dietz's hat trick propels Wildcats to victory
Could Millbrook junior Austin Dietz — who posted three goals in the Wildcats' 5-1 win over East Wake Wednesday night — just be getting warmed up?
As Millbrook head soccer coach Mark Edwards explained, it might be true.
"He was our leading scorer last year, so he's picking up right where he left off," the coach said. "And he is a player who is going to gain momentum throughout the season."
That's a scary thought for future Wildcat opponents, who should also take note that Millbrook had little trouble knocking off East Wake, a state playoff team a season ago.
Despite having a series of lackluster practices recently, the Wildcats showed no signs of sluggishness Wednesday, tacking on three goals in the game's first 15 minutes.
To get the Millbrook offensive rolling, captain Connor Karr scored early on an assist from Dietz. Dietz netted his first goal of the night soon thereafter. And fellow senior Trevor Kovacs followed suit.
Edwards explained he was impressed with his squad's ability to refocus mentally heading into their season opener.
"I have to hand it to the senior leadership, they really emphasized a great solid warm-up, and they wanted the first five minutes to be solid," the coach said. "I am proud they switched on when they needed to."
Leading 3-0 midway through the second half, Dietz struck again, scoring his second goal in the 56th minute. With the game's outcome obviously determined, East Wake netted its lone goal four minutes later. Then Dietz tacked on his final goal in the 71st minute, recording a hat trick.
Millbrook's Parker Eden and John Kennamer each recorded an assist late.
Dietz commended his teammates for putting him in a position to score.
"I didn't exactly come out and try to score three goals, but our team has some great players, and they can really set you up," Dietz said. "I'm just lucky to get those goals.
"If you work hard, goals will happen."
Having netted 15 goals in 2008, Dietz — an All-Conference and All-Region player — has set the bar a little higher this year.
"Hopefully, I can top 15 this season," he said.
Edwards acknowledged the Wildcats are asking Dietz to do even more this season, but the junior rises to the occasion.
"We have three forwards — we had two last year — and he is the focus target," the coach said. "For him to win the balls, lay it off, and then get him back into position to finish off, that just shows how much he is involved in each play.
"It is awesome that he is putting so much on himself, so we can take some off our supporting cast."
For Edwards — an East Wake graduate — the match-up with the Warriors was especially intriguing.
"I played there when it wasn't a soccer school, and it is great to see them change the culture there," the coach said. "They are a really well-coached team, and I could not be more proud of what they've done there."
The Wildcats return to action Friday against Wilson Fike at The Brittany Willis Memorial Scholarship Soccer Showcase. The match begins at 8 p..m.
Edwards spoke highly of The Brittany, which honors the memory of Brittany Willis who was abducted and killed following her high school graduation.
"We definitely enjoyed playing there, and it's a great event used to improve the community," the coach said. "They do such a great job with it every year."
Fellow Cap-7 Conference foes Leesville Road and Wakefield are also scheduled to compete in The Brittany. The Pride play Cape Fear Saturday at 9:30 a.m., and the Wolverines play Wilson Fike — which play Millbrook the night before — Saturday at 11:45 a.m.
Millbrook junior Sion Ya (center) slips through East Wake's defense to head the ball during the Wildcats' 5-1 victory Wednesday night.
