North Augusta boys’ soccer brought an end to Indian Land’s season with a 3-1 victory in the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs. North Augusta had a bye in the first round, starting their playoff journey at home on Wednesday. The team managed to take advantage of scoring opportunities in both halves while effectively shutting down the Warriors defensively, leading to a satisfying win.
Head coach Brent DeGennaro praised his team’s performance, calling it one of their best finishes of the year. Senior Jack Stevens scored the first goal early in the game, setting the tone for North Augusta. The team fought hard for possession throughout the match, disrupting Indian Land’s momentum and maintaining control.
Justus Holden’s exceptional goalkeeping skills proved crucial for North Augusta, as he made several key saves to keep the Jackets in the game. DeGennaro highlighted the leadership of players like Stevens and Holden, both on and off the field, as a key factor in the team’s success.
After Indian Land tied the game in the second half, North Augusta responded quickly to regain the lead. DeGennaro urged his players to focus on ball control and to play strategically in the final minutes of the match. Despite taking the pressure off scoring, the Jackets managed to score another goal, extending their lead with Gavin Rodriguez finding the back of the net.
Having previous experience in high-pressure situations, North Augusta maintained composure throughout the game, which aided them in securing the victory. The team’s strong leadership and execution on the field were instrumental in their impressive performance, moving them forward in the playoffs.