Piedmont Soccer Falls to Layfayette Christian
The long ride to LaGrange for the Piedmont Academy soccer teams turned into an even longer ride home following a sweep by host Lafayette Christian last Friday.The Piedmont Lady Cougars fell 2-1 while the boys were defeated 4-1.
For the Lady Cougars, a slow start hurt chances for a win, coach Dwain Landress said. “We didn’t play very well in the first half as we were getting used to the conditions,” the coach said. “The field was small and the grass was high which negated our speed.” Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Piedmont girls began to settle in the match’s second 40 minutes.
“We weren’t playing up to our potential in the first half,” Landress said. “They weren’t two goals better than us. We regrouped at halftime, however, and began playing much better. We dominated play in the second half.”
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Freshman Jordon Blackmon found the net for Piedmont in the second half to cut the Lafayette lead to one.“We were all over their goal in the second half,” Landress said. “However, we couldn’t manage to tie it. Their goal keeper played a good game. We had one attempt hit the crossbar and one go just wide.
“Carley Cain was solid in goal for the Lady Cougars, Landress said. “Our defense was strong both halves,” the coach said.
In the 4-1 loss by the boys, a slow start once again factored in. “We were flat to start,” Landress said. “They were a team who has played more games than us and they were averaging six goals a contest. They had won their first region game 10-0. Their strength comes from having several upper classmen on their team. It looked like we were a middle school playing a varsity.”
With Lafayette leading 4-0 at halftime, Piedmont tried to adjust and got on the board on a penalty kick by Davis Kimball.
“We were on their side of the field most of the second half,” Landress said. “Rhett Roberts, who is having an All-Region season at goal, made several saves, even in the first half. They were used to playing on their field and were used to those conditions. They will have to come to our place and I think the results will be different. We know we can compete with them.”
In addition, the coach said the trek to LaGrange from Monticello played a factor “That long drive makes it tough,” Landress said. “Even if you are the better team it becomes tough. You get there and you have to play right away and your legs aren’t in it.”
The Piedmont varsity soccer teams will travel to Heritage in Newnan today, March 24, for games at 4:30 p.m. Piedmont will then host Gatewood Tuesday at 6 p.m.