Sanderson boys soccer
Sanderson forward Glenn Scott (10) has been on a tear to start the season, notching five goals in the Spartans' first three games. Scott's score Monday helped Sanderson record a 2-0 win.
Spartans shut out Catamounts
Despite the fact his Spartans posted a 2-0 victory over Panther Creek Monday night, Sanderson boys soccer coach Todd Worley could not hide his concerns.
While the scoreboard might have favored Sanderson — thanks to seniors J.P. Rafferty and Glenn Scott each tacking on a goal — Worley was more worried with the squad's mental approach.
"I don't know exactly who this team was tonight," he explained of his Spartans. "They were alien to me.
"We just didn't have any of the passion tonight that we have had. And I think I know where that comes from. I gave them four days off, and I think that was a mistake."
While physical play — and inconsistent officiating — marred most of the second half, the Spartans didn't have the same fire as last week. At least not in Worley's opinion.
"I really can't compare our first two games and this one," he said. "They don't have anything in common."
Prior to Monday's win, the Spartans had been rolling, recording a 4-2 victory over Cary to open the season Aug. 17 and a 4-0 win at Pinecrest two days later.
Scott and Rafferty have been especially impressive offensively — Scott's goal Monday was his fifth of season; Rafferty's score was his third.
Junior Taylor Wyatt assisted on Scott's goal Monday.
The Catamounts/Spartans game was originally scheduled to be play last week, but poor weather postponed the contest.
Because of the postponement, the Spartans hadn't played since last Wednesday, when they defeated Pinecrest.
And the layoff negatively affected his team, Worley said.
The coach hasn't seen the defensive effort he likes either, and hinted he might rotate some positions to correct the issues.
"We have done well offensively, but we still could make some changes," Worley said.
Although Monday's performance might not have been one for the highlight reel, the Spartans escaped with a victory, improving their record to 3-0.
Sanderson's busy week continues, hosting Middle Creek Tuesday, Aug. 25, and visiting Chapel Hill Thursday, Aug. 27.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EILEEN FRANCIS
Sanderson's J.P. Rafferty (right) netted his third goal of the season in the first half of Monday night's 2-0 victory over Panther Creek.
