HANCEVILLE, Ala.- The Wallace State-Hanceville soccer team received two heartbreaking losses over the weekend as they began their season at the Shelton State tournament.
"No coach likes to lose, but if we are going to take some losses, I would much rather lose in the beginning of the season rather than at the end,? head soccer coach Barry Spitzer said.
The Lions faced Hinds Community College on Friday afternoon at the tournament. The team capitalized on favorable winds in the first half as Antonio Roman and Connor Cappelletti each scored a goal. However, Wallace struggled against the stiff wind during the second half and fell to Hinds in a close 3-2 decision.
Wallace headed back to the field on Sunday to face the Darton Community College Cavaliers. There was no shortage of goals as the Lions found themselves tied with Darton late in the game at 6-6. Roman scored three goals while Justin Pino added two. Tyronne Walters also added a goal for Wallace. However, an unfortunate shot from a Cavalier with only minutes remaining sealed Wallace?s defeat with a final score of 6-7.
"Everyone learned a lot from these two games,? Spitzer said. ?We gained a lot of experience and knowledge of how the rest of the season will be played. We have a tough schedule ahead of us and the guys are realizing what they have to improve. We know what we are capable of and will continue to progress. I?m looking forward to a solid week of practice as we get ready for Friday?s game and will look for a successful result.?
The Lions? next game will be their home opener as they take on the Faulkner State junior varsity squad. The game will be on Friday, August 31 at 3 pm. Wallace will follow that game with a trip to Young Harris at 3 pm on Monday, September 3.
For more information about Wallace State soccer, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
Contact: Luke Brymer, Sports Information Assistant, Wallace State Community College, luke.brymer@wallacestate.edu 256/352-8231
ACCC STATS
Wallace State Soccer Stumbles in Opening Games
Jacquise Moore