ROCKINGHAM — Allen Franco found the back of the net for two of Richmond Senior’s goals in the Raiders’ 7-1 home victory Wednesday against the Eagles of Uwharrie Charter Academy.
The Eagles were the first to score thanks to Caleb Golden — who wound up earning a red card later in the first half.
The Raiders were able to even up the score within the first 20 minutes, but that was answered by Uwharrie Charter’s Isaac Garcia. One more goal from Richmond had the Raiders up 3-2 at the half.
For much of the game, Richmond kept the ball on Uwharrie Charter’s side of the field and went on to score four unanswered goals in the second half.
Aside from Franco, five other players scored in the game — Martin Lopez, Patrick Smith, Bryan Mendez-Mendoza, Kevin Diaz-Lopez and Angel Huerta.
“We came out a little sluggish after having a handful of days off,” said head coach Chris Larsen. “Then something clicked and we started playing, started focusing in, and we were able to go on a run there towards the end.”
What opened the game up for Richmond, Larsen said, was teamwork.
“We started to work the ball around the field and were able to find those open channels,” the coach said, comparing the game to one between Western Michigan and Michigan. “On paper, I think we all know what the outcome’s supposed to be, but that’s why you play the ball game.”
Larsen said he told the team at the beginning of the match-up that they had nothing to lose, “and they took it to us for those first ten minutes.”
“We were able to finally find our footing,” Larsen said, noting that several players who haven’t seen much field time were able to play.
The coach is hoping the win will transfer to Thursday when both the varsity and junior varsity teams host Union Pines.
The Raiders improve to 4-3-2 for the season and will face the Vikings whose record is 3-2-2.
See more photos at the RO’s Facebook page.
