Pam Pack downs Hawks in matchup of conference contenders
Published 8:32 pm Wednesday, October 3, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Washington soccer team put together perhaps its most complete performance of the season so far, controlling much of the play and finishing off the multitude chances it created in yesterday’s match against conference rival North Lenoir, defeating the Hawks, 8-2.
“Big win for us, I’m very, very happy. We’ve struggled with putting together a full game and we played almost a full game today, and the results were great,” Washington head coach Jim Kozuch said. “I think we did a really good job possessing the ball. We definitely out possessed them, and finishing for once (wasn’t an issue).”
Yesterday’s matchup between Washington (8-4, 4-1 2A Eastern Carolina Conference) and North Lenoir (8-2-1, 2-1 2A ECC) was especially pivotal, as the two squads tied as conference winners last year and are both expected to be the lead contenders for the conference crown this season.
Tim Anglim led the charge for the Pam Pack, scoring a hat trick and constantly threatening the Hawks’ defense with his long, mazy runs with the ball. The senior’s first goal, scored with 20 minutes remaining in opening half, was the definition of a solo effort. Receiving the ball around midfield, he drove past several North Lenoir midfielders and defenders on his way to the Hawks’ penalty box. Veering to the right with a North Lenoir defender in hot pursuit, Anglim cut back onto his left and fired a low, left-footed shot that nestled inside the far post, making the score 2-1 in Washington’s favor.
While Anglim’s first goal showcased his ability to get it done all on his own, his third goal displayed his ability to combine with teammates. With nine minutes remaining in the game, Anglim played a give-and-go with Oscar Espinoza. Anglim hit the return pass first-time from 25 yards out, firing the ball past the North Lenoir goalkeeper increasing the Pam Pack’s lead to 7-2.
“Huge for Tim (Anglim),” Kozuch said. “We put Tim in a more offensive position. Gave him a couple more chances and he capitalized. He played really, really well.”
Washington came flying out of the gates to start the match, with Elvin Elizalde scoring in the opening minutes. The Pam Pack continued to maintain possession and move the ball around. Then with 28 minutes left in the first half North Lenoir tied the game through the conference’s player of the year last season, Taiwan Hines. Catching Washington sleeping, Hines snuck behind the backline and scored.
Just eight minutes later Anglim scored his first goal to retake the lead and six minutes after that, Anglim set up Espinoza for a goal after another scything run through the Hawks’ defense. Jared Espinoza added another goal to give the Pam Pack a 4-1 lead at the halftime intermission.
Anglim scored his second of the match just minutes into the second half. The score remained 5-1 for nearly 20 minutes, until North Lenoir was awarded and scored on a penalty kick for a foul in the box, bringing the Hawks within three. But Washington didn’t let up, scoring three more goals, thanks to Oscar Espinoza, Anglim and Patrick Lovenberg.
Washington and North Lenoir will play in a rematch on Monday in La Grange. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.