Ravenscroft boys soccer
Connor Whitaker (11) fights for possession during the Ravens' match against Providence Day in last week's 37th annual Ravenscroft Soccer Invitational.
Ravens prepare for conference play
While the Ravens' 1-2 record in last week's 37th annual Ravenscroft Soccer Invitational might not reflect a strong performance, head coach Alix Charles knows otherwise.
Featuring several of the state's top programs, the tournament was one of the toughest tests the Ravens will face this season.
After dropping its first two games, falling to Covenant Day School 5-2 and Providence Day 3-1, Ravenscroft got back on track, defeating Greenfield 2-0 in its tournament finale.
"The first two games we lost, but we played some good soccer," Charles said, adding that both programs are ranked in the state's Top 10. "In fact, in the first game, we scored two goals early, and in the second, we actually score the first goal."
It seemed the Ravens had little trouble in the early going, but had difficulty sustaining their momentum.
Will Byrd and Drew Rasberry scored in the Ravens' meeting with Covenant Day, and Sean Watson added a beautiful kick against Providence Day.
"From [his] right back position, Sean made a very nice run, took a left-footed shot from about 25 yards out," Charles said. "It was really very nice."
In Ravens' finale, Rasberry tacked on two more scores, bring his tournament total to three.
"I rested some of my players in that last game, and played some of our younger guys, and they did well," the coach said. "We played a more of a possession game, and Drew added two really good goals.
"Although we didn't get the results would have liked, overall it was a good tournament for us."
Seeing the level of competition at the tournament should help the Ravens as they move into conference play, their coach reasoned.
They were scheduled to visit Durham Academy today (Tuesday) at 6:15 p.m., and host St. David's Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 5:15 p.m.
St. David's is ranked 10th in the NCSCA Private Schools rankings.
In the following weeks, the Ravens have a demanding schedule with Chapel Hill (3-4-1), Greensboro (9-0-1) and North Raleigh Christian (8-4-2) on their docket.
"These upcoming games will be a good challenge for us," Charles said.
Ravenscroft's Will Byrd (10) holds off a defender during a match against Providence Day last week. In the background, Sean Watson (15) looks on.
