Corey Davis

Richmond County Daily Journal

The Southern Lee men’s soccer team showed why it’s ranked 14th in the 3A state polls.

Jake Brower’s first-half goal at the 10-minute mark proved to be the difference in the contest as the Cavaliers blanked Richmond 1-0 Wednesday night at Raider Stadium, snapping the Raiders’ three-game winning streak.

The victory improved Southern Lee’s record to 6-0 on the season.

According to Cavaliers coach Jason Burman, Southern Lee has shutout five of its first six opponents this season and has yielded only one goal on the year.

“We’ve played solid on defense all season,” Burman said. “We don’t give up balls too many places that could hurt us. Richmond had some size, but we had guys in the right spot to prevent them from getting anything going. Once we got the lead on Jake’s goal, we were just able to hang on from there.”

Southern Lee out-shot Richmond 15-5 and Richmond coach Bennie Howard admitted his team was still basking in the glow of their last victory.

“Our guys didn’t come out focused to play, and they were still high off Monday’s victory over Terry Sanford,” Howard said. “I hope this is a wakeup call to let them know that you can’t live in the past and you’ve got to be ready for the next game.”

Howard added that Richmond had little continuity on defense and the Cavaliers dominated possession of the ball.

“We didn’t hold passes well and we didn’t connect any passes together,” Howard said. “We also didn’t try to penetrate their defense and they continuously beat us to the ball.”

Richmond (4-2) tried frantically in the closing moments to even the contest. Brandon Standridge, who scored four goals in the prior three games, had the best look when he attempted a 15-yard shot with less than minute to go, but the ball sailed high over the crossbar.

“We had a couple opportunities in the second half, but we missed wide on some shots,” Howard said. “But one game doesn’t make a season, and we’ve got to go back to the drawing board and try to win our next game.”

The Raiders return to action at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Forest Hills.

n The Richmond junior varsity boys’ soccer team was shutout for the second straight game and dropped to 0-3 on the season.

Southern Lee’s Juan Flores scored three goals and Freddie McCollum had three assists to help the Cavaliers blank the JV Raiders 8-0 Wednesday afternoon.

The JV Raiders will look for their first victory when they return to action at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday against Union Pines at Raider Stadium.

n Contact sports reporter Corey Davis at 997-3111, ext. 44; e-mail cdavis@yourdailyjournal.com