David Sizemore’s goal in the 23rd minute proved to be the game winner in Fuquay’s 1-0 win over the 2009 4A East Region champions. The win vaulted Fuquay into sole possession of the top spot in the Tri-9 conference at 6-0-0 (10-0-0 overall). The Bengals entered this week as the fourth ranked 4A team in the state according to EUROSPORTSCOREBOARD.COM
Both teams produced several early opportunities before the match settled into for a tight battle, with Fuquay enjoying much of the possession. Green Hope coach, Andrew Chadwick was disappointed in the play of his team, but praised the Bengals.
“They haven’t given up a goal, and they’re undefeated,” Chadwick said of Fuquay. “They’re a very, very good team. We knew this game could decide the conference. But, the good news is that we have a chance to play them again. We didn’t give them much tonight”
Sizemore, a senior midfielder and UNC-Wilmington recruit, saw Falcons goalkeeper, Thomas Mousseau off his line, and chipped the ball from just outside the box.
“At first I couldn’t’ believe it,” Sizemore said. “Davis (Meyer) headed a great ball in, and I just nicked it by the guy. That’s the only thing I was thinking – just get a touch on it by the keeper and it just went right over his head and in.”
Fuquay-Varina coach, James Mountford knew that Green Hope (7-3-0, 5-1-0) would be a good measuring stick for his team and his goalkeeper, Adam Sedivy. Mountford was anxious to see how he would react against a talented offensive side like the Falcons. And Sedivy did just fine, saving six shots on goal.
“A good team like Green Hope is going to break through, and they did,” Mountford said. “They had some good shots on goal, and that’s when Adam Sedivy had one of the best games of his career as a Bengal. He made some really good saves, like a great keeper should. “Now I feel like our team can get to that next level, with a goalkeeper that can make those saves when your team plays well all over the field.” Mountford said. “He’s the anchor there making those saves.”
The Falcons had a chance to tie as late as the 76th minute, as Fuquay was whistled for a dangerous play giving Green Hope an indirect free kick just inside the right corner of the 18-yard box. But Falcons senior defender, Logan Paussa’s shot angled just left of goal.
“My confidence is pretty sky high right now,” Sedivy said. “I feel like we’ve got the best defense in the whole conference. I wouldn’t replace anyone. We have the perfect chemistry. We’re working well together.”
Chadwick said his team would not get too low with the loss. “If we play that poorly and we lost one – nil, there’s a bright side of it,” he said.
And Mountford knows that it takes more than one game to settle things in the always difficult Tri-9 conference, but he said his team would remain focused on the prize.
“We’ve never won the Tri-9 4A conference, and we’re in the driver’s seat right now,” Mountford said. “We’re the only undefeated team in the conference. That, to me, should be motivation enough for them.”
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