Updated 4-17 Boys soccer wins

By Laura Clark

Published: April 17, 2008

Led by Brandon White’s hat trick, the Govs pounded the visiting Raiders in an 8-0 win on Thursday night.
Nelson’s bench has been stretched thin by injuries, but White is an example of players beginning to make a comeback. Recovering from a quad bruise and strain, White had both thighs wrapped Thursday, but said he was feeling good.
“I’ve been injured since tryouts and last game was the first game that I actually played like I should…like I know I’m capable of playing,” White said. “That was a real morale booster.”
Nelson (2-2-2) got its first win of the regular season on Tuesday, defeating Altavista 7-2. Nelson’s two losses were against Amherst, and its two ties were against Heritage. In the Appomattox game, sophomore midfielder Daniel Vanison (pulled groin muscle) and senior stopper Jack Farley (ACL surgery) saw limited playing time. Another key player, senior forward Koda Kerl, has been out with a broken nose, and will not be cleared to play until May 1.
“Progress for us is getting 11 healthy guys on the field,” coach Pete Hauschner said. “They’ve got a little momentum now (with the wins). That’s good. They were hanging their heads there for a while.”
White put Nelson on the board quickly, finishing a pass from Albert Lachance in the fifth minute. Four minutes later, Juan Garcia scored on a shot from outside the 18-yard box. In the 11th minute, Garcia flicked the ball over his shoulder and White one-touched it past Raider keeper James Hudson from short range.
Garcia and Josh Morris were two new players added to the Gov lineup. Garcia, a sophomore, is new to Nelson County High School. The two have been instrumental in the center midfield positions.
“Juan Garcia has helped us out a lot. Great touches and great passes,” Hauschner said. “(Josh) is the kind of kid you can coach and tell him one time to do something, and he does it. He tries his best. He’s just an exceptional athlete.”
Hauschner said he had discouraged Morris, a track and cross country runner, from playing soccer his senior year, as he little experience and may not see much playing time. Morris, and Juan, turned out to be pleasant surprises, Hauschner said.
In his first year starting in the goal, senior Caleb Saunders combined with junior Garth Phillips (second half) for the shutout. Saunders had six saves, and Phillips had three.
The fourth goal of the first half was an own goal by Appomattox in the 19th minute. Luke Longanecker, who scored four goals against Altavista, knocked one in from the center of the box. Lupe Zarate had the assist. White picked up his hat trick on another one-touch shot to the corner, this time off a Lachance cross.
With a 6-0 lead, Hauschner flip-flopped his forwards and defenders. Wing defenders Daniel Eggleston and Justin Crandall scored the final goals. Eggleston was taken down in the box and made his penalty kick in the 76th minute. In the final minute Crandall finished in the box off a pass from sweeper Clarke Goodling.
Hudson had 14 saves for Appomattox. The Govs have three games next week, starting with Wilson Memorial at home on Monday.