Trojans build unity in 4-0 win
BY MICHAEL LINDSAY HP ENTERPRISE SPORTS WRITER
HIGH POINT — Wesleyan Christian’s first-team players took an unexpected backseat to their second- and third-team teammates— and they were happy to do so. The Trojans, starting a combination of second- and third-team players in each half in a display of team unity, scored four goals late in the first half and rolled past Forsyth Country Day 4-0 in PACIS 3A boys soccer on a rain-soaked Friday
night at Wesleyan’s Sanford Field.
“There’s no greater joy for the guys than to see maybe one of the threes play really well and maybe
get a goal,” Trojans coach Scott Reitnour said. “That’s more exciting for us than our ones just banging in goals. So, I know I was really proud nof the chemistry this created. “The Messiah College method is kind of one of our staples. We’ve had guys play there, (assistant) Carter (Robbins) playedthere, and I went there for a semester. They talk about how team chemistr y creates a competitive advantage. And that’s true. But serving each other, loving each other also makes life better.
“So, we got so much enjoyment out of tonight’s game — every last drop out of it, because they love
each other.” This season, Wesleyan has focused on the Bible verse John 15:13: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” So, during the week, senior forward Wes Williams approached the team about allowing the second and third teams the opportunity to start on
Homecoming.
So, the reserves took the field for roughly the first 20 minutes and played well. They possessed the ball well, pressured the defense and created chances near the goal. And that helped the first-team players score a flurr y of goals over the final 18 ½ minutes of the half to lead 4-0 at halftime.
“We played well as a team,” junior midfielder Caleb Compton said. “It was fun to have everyone out there on the field, and it was a great experience. Everyone was out there working hard as a group —
just playing with our brothers.… We wanted them to have their moment of glory.
“It was just a show of encouragement. We love the twos and we love the threes. We want them to
get out there and grow their confidence in the field. We had all the starters cheering them on, and
they played really well together. They played on their half the whole time, pinned them in, and we capitalized.” Compton finished with two goals to lead the Trojans (14-0-2 overall, 5-0 PACIS), who’ve won the last two NCISAA 3A state championships, while Gyslain Ndayikengurukiye and Nathan Cox each added one. Williams dished two assists, while Austin Ash and Compton each had one. Compton opened the scoring in the 22nd minute on a pass near the goal and eluded the goalkeeper.
Ndayikengurukiye followed in the 30th minute off another pass in front and quick score. Then, Cox
scored on a give-and-go in the 37th minute and Compton followed a minute later following a shot off the goal frame.
Wesleyan goalkeepers David Lee (three saves) and Matthew Nusdeo (three saves) combined toshut out the Furies (5-12-1, 1-4). The Trojans willvisit public 2A Southwestern Randolph in a battle of
unbeaten teams Tuesday before ending the regular season Thursday at High Point Christian.
“We have two big tests next week, both on the road,” Reitnour said. “We’re playing well right now,
but those will both be big tests. There are still things we need to improve. We’ve talked about those and trained on those. We have a handful of training sessions left, and we’re going to push all the way to the end.
“We’re still going to teach the guys about thegame — there’s plenty theyhave to learn about the
game. And we have this little window of time to make sure they’re ready for the tournament. But, where we are right now, we’re pleased with how they’re playing.”
BY MICHAEL LINDSAY HP ENTERPRISE SPORTS WRITER
HIGH POINT — Wesleyan Christian’s first-team players took an unexpected backseat to their second- and third-team teammates— and they were happy to do so. The Trojans, starting a combination of second- and third-team players in each half in a display of team unity, scored four goals late in the first half and rolled past Forsyth Country Day 4-0 in PACIS 3A boys soccer on a rain-soaked Friday
night at Wesleyan’s Sanford Field.
“There’s no greater joy for the guys than to see maybe one of the threes play really well and maybe
get a goal,” Trojans coach Scott Reitnour said. “That’s more exciting for us than our ones just banging in goals. So, I know I was really proud nof the chemistry this created. “The Messiah College method is kind of one of our staples. We’ve had guys play there, (assistant) Carter (Robbins) playedthere, and I went there for a semester. They talk about how team chemistr y creates a competitive advantage. And that’s true. But serving each other, loving each other also makes life better.
“So, we got so much enjoyment out of tonight’s game — every last drop out of it, because they love
each other.” This season, Wesleyan has focused on the Bible verse John 15:13: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” So, during the week, senior forward Wes Williams approached the team about allowing the second and third teams the opportunity to start on
Homecoming.
So, the reserves took the field for roughly the first 20 minutes and played well. They possessed the ball well, pressured the defense and created chances near the goal. And that helped the first-team players score a flurr y of goals over the final 18 ½ minutes of the half to lead 4-0 at halftime.
“We played well as a team,” junior midfielder Caleb Compton said. “It was fun to have everyone out there on the field, and it was a great experience. Everyone was out there working hard as a group —
just playing with our brothers.… We wanted them to have their moment of glory.
“It was just a show of encouragement. We love the twos and we love the threes. We want them to
get out there and grow their confidence in the field. We had all the starters cheering them on, and
they played really well together. They played on their half the whole time, pinned them in, and we capitalized.” Compton finished with two goals to lead the Trojans (14-0-2 overall, 5-0 PACIS), who’ve won the last two NCISAA 3A state championships, while Gyslain Ndayikengurukiye and Nathan Cox each added one. Williams dished two assists, while Austin Ash and Compton each had one. Compton opened the scoring in the 22nd minute on a pass near the goal and eluded the goalkeeper.
Ndayikengurukiye followed in the 30th minute off another pass in front and quick score. Then, Cox
scored on a give-and-go in the 37th minute and Compton followed a minute later following a shot off the goal frame.
Wesleyan goalkeepers David Lee (three saves) and Matthew Nusdeo (three saves) combined toshut out the Furies (5-12-1, 1-4). The Trojans willvisit public 2A Southwestern Randolph in a battle of
unbeaten teams Tuesday before ending the regular season Thursday at High Point Christian.
“We have two big tests next week, both on the road,” Reitnour said. “We’re playing well right now,
but those will both be big tests. There are still things we need to improve. We’ve talked about those and trained on those. We have a handful of training sessions left, and we’re going to push all the way to the end.
“We’re still going to teach the guys about thegame — there’s plenty theyhave to learn about the
game. And we have this little window of time to make sure they’re ready for the tournament. But, where we are right now, we’re pleased with how they’re playing.”
