While a strong wind made things hectic for both teams April 10, Carroll County benefited from the gale force provided by the legs of Steve Woods and Cody Jones in a 5-1 soccer victory over Auburn in Hillsville.
Even though wind gusts made long kicks somewhat comical at times as the ball sailed in unpredictable directions, Carroll County (1-1-1) made the most of the situation. Woods led the Cavalier attack with three goals while Jones had three assists.
“That wind made for some difficult play, but we managed to sneak around it and come out on top,” Carroll County head coach Shane Reed said. “We were very pleased with how our team played collectively and passed the ball. They are definitely maturing as a team and learning how to control the pitch.”
Things certainly didn’t look good to start with, however, as Auburn struck first with a goal just 30 seconds into the contest for a quick 1-0 lead. Keeper Alex Campbell appeared to misjudge the early goal, which looked like it might sail over the goal before it settled in just under the top post.
He certainly atoned, however, tallying seven saves and benefitting from a strong defensive effort from his teammates as well.
Carroll wasted little time evening things up. Just two minutes later, Jones threw in a beautiful pass from the corner that found Matt Hawks at point-blank range in front of the goal for a tying score.
Things stayed that way for the next 20 minutes until Carroll took control as Jones scored his first goal with a beautiful one-on-one move to juke Auburn’s goalie for a 2-1 lead. Daniel Guzman put the Cavs up 3-1 a little over eight minutes later with a goal from about 20 yards out.
With a two-goal lead at intermission, Carroll quickly picked up where it left off early in the second half. Less than five minutes into the second half, Hawks recorded his second goal, sticking one in from inside the box from about 15 yards out for a 4-1 advantage.
Carroll controlled the action, taking 25 shots on goal and closed the scoring out on Tanner Edwards’ late goal.
With the win, Carroll County evened its record to 1-1-1 on the season.
















