ROCKINGHAM — Richmond Senior’s varsity soccer team clinched its fourth consecutive win on Monday, blanking the Pine Forest Trojans 3-0.
Patrick Smith put the Raiders on the scoreboard with just under 5:30 left on the clock for the first half.
In the second half, Jayden Scire scored off a kick from Smith, and Allen Franco nailed a goal from a free kick.
“We came in tonight on a good little streak, picking up three wins last week,” said coach Chris Larsen. “We found some success — the hardest thing when you find it is keeping it.”
Last Thursday at home, Richmond defeated Purnell Swett 3-0 with goals from Bryan Mendez-Mendoza, Ben Monroe and Angel Huerta. Prior to the home win, the Raiders finished 5-0 against St. Pauls and 3-1 at Terry Sanford.
Larsen said he’s trying to keep the players grounded in one of the better recent years.
“I think the guys are enjoying seeing the hard work that we put in, and I think tonight’s a good example of that,” Larsen said, adding that he told the players to focus on what’s made them successful — playing as a team.
“I’m hoping that we can continue that trend and see if we can’t pick up another win on Wednesday,” Larsen said regarding the upcoming match at Jack Britt.
The varsity team is now 8-4-2 for the season.
Earlier in the evening, the junior varsity team earned its first mercy-rule win of the season, trouncing the Trojans 9-0.
Kingston Gill netted the Raiders’ initial goal within the first 10 minutes of the game, and Josh Diaz scored his third goal of the night to end the game.
Other Richmond players to score were Marcos Contreras, Jake Smith, Mason Huff and Memphis Baldwin in the first half, and Alan Santiago in the second half. Carson Beasley also had three assists.
In last week’s game against Purnell Swett, the JV Raiders won 3-0 with goals from Smith, Beasley and Gray Young. Richmond also defeated Terry Sanford 8-0 and tied 1-1 with St. Pauls.
Their season record now stands at 8-1-2.
See photos from the games against Pine Forest and Purnell Swett at the RO's Facebook page.
