RMHS tags Nash Central 8-3 in boys soccer

ROCKY MOUNT - Rocky Mount came away with decisive 8-3 victory over Nash Central in Big East boys soccer action Wednesday afternoon. Senior Justin Marsigli was the leading scorer with four goals, three of which came in the first half. 

It did not take long for the Gryphons (14-1-2, 5-1) to set the tone of the match. 

With only 40 seconds off the clock, junior midfielder Matt Williams pushed the ball down the right side of the field drawing the defense leaving Marsigli open in the goal. Williams was able to launch a pass to Marsigli, who had no trouble booting it into the net putting the Gryphons on the board in the first minute of play.  

It wasn't a minute later when the teammates connected a second time. 

Williams again pushed the ball down the field and connected with Marsigli. This connection gave Marsigli his second goal in the first two minutes of play and left the Bulldogs somewhat dazed. 

The Gryphons continued to control the midfield and showed no signs of letting up on their opponent. 

At the 36.15 remaining mark, junior Andrew Morales drove the ball up the center of the field. The Bulldogs' defense though packed inside the 18 were out of position to prevent the perfect shot launched by Morales from finding the back of the net.  

Within the first five minutes of play, the Gryphons had a 3-0 lead over the Bulldogs.  This however, did not take the focus from the team nor prove to be the end of the scoring. 

With 26:15 remaining in the match, the duo of Williams and Marsigli proved lethal again. 

Williams placed a perfect high cross to Marsigli who headed the ball into the net, giving Marsigli a "hat trick" and Williams his third assist in the match. 

Following this scoring tear, the starters were rewarded with a rest as head coach Andrew Nick again showed a commitment in giving playing time to the entire team at the 22:42 mark. 

The younger players continued with good ball movement and proficient defense for the remainder of the first half, giving the Bulldogs only one shot and holding them scoreless.

Returning to the pitch after the half, freshman Drew Thompson was positioned in the goal for the Gryphons supported by the starters.  The Bulldogs came out showing no intention of lying down and found themselves inside the 18 just seconds into the half. Taylor Penzer put the ball through the Gryphon defense putting the Bulldogs on the board. 

Marsigli, however, proved again to be deadly to the Bulldogs. 

Sophomore Lee McAvoy was his connection this time as he was able to play the ball from left. McAvoy crossed to Marsigli who scored his fourth goal only six minutes into the second half. 

The Gryphons continued to control the midfield and pressure the Bulldog defense.  A minute later McAvoy carried the ball through Nash Central's defense and scored unassisted, putting the Gryphons up 6-1. 

The score, however, did not remain long as the Gryphons were quick to put a seventh on the board. 

With 32:30 minutes remaining the match, Morales was able to put the ball in front of senior Tim Bishop who punched it in past the Bulldog keeper and giving the Gryphons a commanding 7-1 lead. 

Nick substituted freely and gave various players experience in other positions. 

Nash Central was able to take a greater number of shots off several of which came from corner kicks. Thompson made a spectacular save in the right corner, as the Gryphon defense was struggling to clear the ball denying the Bulldogs yet again. 

The Bulldogs, however, would fight through and were able to land two additional goals before time expired. Taylor Ingram booted the ball into the net twice, once at the 25:55 mark and again with just seconds left in the half.

The Gryphons continued to pressure the Bulldog goal. Dylan Matthews, who had just missed an opportunity to connect on a header, was able to score the eighth and final goal for the Gryphons. Matt Boudreau connected with Matthews just inside the 18 with only 3:45 remaining.

The Gryphon goalies combined for a total of four saves, three coming from Thompson.  The Bulldog goalie had six saves. Rocky Mount had 28 shots while Nash Central got off only seven.

After the match, Nick indicated the team was "prepping" for Monday's match up against Hunt (Monday, 5 p.m.). Hunt earlier handed the Gryphons their only loss of the season.