War Hawk Soccer steadily improving

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By CINDY CROSBY

The Colleton Prep boys’ soccer team continues to see improvement as the season hits midpoint. Earlier this month the War Hawks fell to Wade Hampton High School (5-0), Charleston Collegiate (8-0), Beaufort Academy (10-1), Northwoods Academy (2-1), John Paul II (5-0) and Bridges Prep Academy (2-0). The young War Hawks are currently 0-9 on the season.

“We played John Paul II this past Monday and they are one of the top-ranked teams in the state for our division,” said first-year head coach Andrew Floresca. “We played much better in the midfield compared to our last several games and showed signs of being able to switch the attack, pressure the ball and force opposing players to play a particular direction, which works in our favor for winning the ball back.”

“Unfortunately, we still gave up five goals, but overall, the kids played tough for all 80 minutes,” said Floresca. “Our first touch is the biggest concern now, along with not winning enough 50/50 balls. There is a gap in individual skill level compared to teams we play, strictly because many of our players are young and have not had much time on a ball. What we lack in individual skill, we have been able to make up for in good defending, positioning, and effort.”

“Against Bridges Prep, three weeks ago they beat us 7-0,” said Floresca. “Last night, they won 2-0 and worked hard for everything they got. We had three to four good goal scoring opportunities to make it a winnable game and had them on their heels for the last 15 minutes of the match. A few shots with bad ball placement were the difference in at least a tied game at the end of regulation time.”

“The players are doing well and learning quickly,” said Floresca.

Colleton Prep was scheduled to travel to Hilton Head Christian Academy on March 28 for a 7 p.m. match, before hosting Cathedral Academy on March 29 and John Paul II on March 30.