Nelson boys top Appomattox 5-0 in district semifinal game

By Ben Byrnes
Media General News Service
Published: May 28, 2008

The Nelson County Men’s Soccer Team began their post-season journey with the Dogwood District game against the Appomattox Raiders on Wednesday, May 21.

The Govs took an early lead when twenty-five minutes into the first half, senior Koda Kerl scored on an assist from senior Luke Longanecker. With less than four minutes left in the half, junior Lupe Zarate would score the second goal of the game on an assist from Longanecker.

As the lights came on, the Govs would bring even more heat on the Raiders. Less than ten minutes into the second half, Longanecker scored on an assist from senior Justin Crandall.

Shortly after the 20-minute mark, senior Brandon White would cross to Kerl who scored his second goal of the game, making the score 4-0 in Nelson’s favor.

Sophomore Albert Lachance scored the final goal of the game after a run-up to the goal, making it a 5-0 sweep for Nelson.

Gov coach Pete Hauschner felt his team could have played better.

“We didn’t play as well as we could have and our striker didn’t have a good night, but eventually it turned out all right. It was only two-nothing at half time. We should have done a lot better. In the second half we kind of took over,” Hauschner said.

Koda Kerl, whose two goals helped secure the win for Nelson felt his team played well, but needed improve for the regionals.

“We kept them out of the goal which is most important, but we had some trouble finishing tonight; but it’s the first game of the tournament and hopefully we’ll improve from here and pick up the momentum as we head toward the regionals,” Kerl said. “I think we’re all real anxious to get back to Radford because we didn’t like the way we finished last year.”