South soccer prepares for run at conference crown - The Daily Record

By Jacob Hancock

Of The Record Staff

It’s been quite a while since South Johnston has had a chance to compete for a conference championship in boys soccer, but this year’s squad might have a chance.

“I think they’re starting to believe,” said South assistant coach Edgar Herrera after Thursday’s convincing 5-1 win over South Garner. “Historically, South Johnston hasn’t had a season in a very long time like the one we’re having right now. I think game after game that we’ve been getting results, they’re starting to believe. They’re starting to be more confident. And I think that’s really what’s driving us this year.”

The win moved the Trojans to 9-1-1 on the year, and brought their season totals to 54 goals scored (4.9 per game) versus just 19 goals allowed (1.7 per game).

Leading the front line is senior striker Misael Garcia, who’s bagged 16 goals and tallied 7 assists this season. He scored a brace with two goals and dealt an assist in Thursday’s win.

In the middle of the pitch, South has a couple of studs in junior Bruce Miranda and senior Lester Martinez Garcia. Miranda has a team-high seven assists, and scored his 14th goal of the year against South Garner, putting on a dazzling display of dribbling before launching a long, lofted shot over the keeper’s head. And while Martinez was out to start the year with health concerns, he’s come on strong as of late, bagging two goals and dishing out six assists while playing with inspired creativity alongside Miranda.

In the back line, the Trojans are led by senior center back Sam Webster. He may not be the tallest, but he’s quick and plays with a cool head, and has the ability to get up in the air and attack the ball for headers. And senior goalkeeper Lance Adams has been a steady presence for South, saving 42 of 59 shots on goal (71.2 percent).

From freshmen forwards Jose Valenzaela and Briay Perez, who each scored a goal in Thursday’s win, to senior wingers Dylan Lambert and Nolan Blackmon, who each dealt an assist, South has talented players all around the pitch.

Now, after a strong start in nonconference play, South will turn the page and focus on the Greater Neuse Conference. They don’t have any games this week, so they’re using that time to prepare for a run at the conference championship.

“Our main focus the first couple of days is getting our guys healthy,” Herrera said. “We’ve got a couple of guys that are banged up and bruised. So, this whole next week will be huge for us. We’ll prepare, make some little adjustments that we need, fix some things and hopefully come out in conference play and get the result.”

They’ll start things off with a trip to Clayton (4-4-2) Monday, Sept. 30 then host West Johnston (9-2) Wednesday, Oct. 2.