Gryphons get rare conference win over Wilson Fike

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The first half found the Gryphons somewhat sluggish facing a young, but tenacious Fike team. Though Rocky Mount (11-1-2) controlled the ball and field for most of the first half, it was unable to capitalize on a penalty kick and the limited number of early goal opportunities. Senior Fike stopper Cullen Carter played aggressive defensive and proved to be pivotal in preventing the Gryphons from finding solid shot opportunities. 

The scoring drought fortunately did not continue when at the 35:46 mark, Andrew Morales was able to take a breakaway down the left side of the field and score the first Gryphon goal unassisted. 

Returning to the pitch after the halftime with only a one goal lead, Rocky Mount came out with greater energy and better communication. Just nine minutes into the second half, a second breakaway by senior Tim Bishop put the second Gryphon goal on the board. From there, the Gryphons went on a 20-minute scoring tear putting three additional goals on the board. 

Fike (6-7-1, 2-1 Big East) was found off its previous stride, which was only magnified when Carter had to come out of the game due to a knee injury. The Gryphon defense played strong and was able to push the ball to the goal and provide Justin Marsigli and Trevor Smith both scoring opportunities, each putting a goal in the net to increase the score to 4-0. 

With 12 minutes remaining, junior Matt Williams crossed the ball to the feet of Morales, who scored his second and the Gryphons' last goal of the match. 

Gryphon head coach Drew Nick made wholesale substitutions at the 10:17 mark giving the eager young Gryphons some valuable minutes. The young players were able to maintain controlled ball movement and limit the Demons to very few scoring shots. 

One lapse on the Gryphon defense with only three minutes remaining, however, allowed Fike's Kyle Lewis to drive the ball into the corner to box unassisted and put the Demons on the board.

Gryphon goalies Drew Gorham and Drew Thompson finished with eight saves on just 11 shot attempts. Fike goalie Rob Brown had five saves on 15 Gryphon shots.  
 

Rocky Mount will return to play at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Southern Nash for their first meeting of the season.