Cougar Soccer opens season with 5-1 win over Whale Branch

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By CINDY CROSBY

The Colleton County Cougar soccer team opened the regular season with a 5-1 win over non-conference opponent Whale Branch High School on March 1 at home. In the first Region VII-AAAA match of the season, the Cougars were shutout 8-0 by May River High School on March 4.

In the win over Whale Branch High School, Jeremiah Howell recorded two goals and an assist and Westin Palmer had one goal and one assist. Avery Floresca and Chandler McMillan each added one goal and Evan Stroble was credited with an assist.

In the loss to No. 3 state ranked May River High School, the Cougars trailed 7-0 at the half.

“After giving up two quick goals in first three minutes, the team refused to push forward which played into May River’s way of playing,” said Coach Brian Reid. “We wanted to play defensively to not give up early goals and to shorten the game to a half, but instead we refused to go forward and collapsed backwards to the goal, creating all kinds of problems for ourselves and chances for May River.

“We are a young team, and this was the first time we had been challenged from the opening whistle. We just did not respond losing our defensive and offensive shape,” said Reid.

“Azion White played phenomenally at keeper in the May River game,” he said. “He had at least 10 incredible saved and ended with 20 saves on the night. Following the game, the May River coach acknowledged his play, saying he was fantastic, and we should have a great season if he continues to play like that every night.”

In the preseason, the Cougars scrimmaged Wade Hampton High School (loss, 3-2) and Colleton Prep Academy (win, 5-1).

“Our scrimmage against Wade Hampton, was a back-and-forth game with us trailing 1-0 at the half,” said Coach Brian Reid. “We took a 2-1 lead in the second half but gave up a late goal off a corner on a misplay by the defense and keeper. It was a great learning experience. We had a few great moments and some not so great moment, but you could tell it was our first scrimmage. We are going to have to play more like a team.”

“In our scrimmage against Colleton Prep, we scored all our goals in the second half,” said Reid. “The first half did not go as planned, as we were not successful running our stuff. We played much better in the second half running our offense and communicating. We are young with two seniors, a few juniors and sophomores, and a large number of freshmen.”

Colleton County is off to a 1-1 overall record and 0-1 start in region play. They were scheduled to travel to Lucy Beckham High School on March 8 and host Hilton Head High School on March 11.