Bruton escapes New Kent to keep record unscathed

New Kent’s Nathan Karaffa (10) dribbles the ball down the pitch while being pursued by Bruton’s Brady Snyder.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s boys’ soccer team looked for a breakthrough win an undefeated Bruton Panthers team on Friday night, hoping to knock the visitors from the ranks of the unbeaten. And for most of the contest, there was a strong chance it would happen.

But a goal from 40 yards out with 18 minutes remaining in the game by Bruton’s Aidyn Smith proved to be the difference maker as the visiting Panthers triumphed over New Kent 3-2.

The Trojans were first to strike on the scoreboard as Christian Pieper found the bet of the net. That lead would only last for a few minutes as Bruton’s Khalil Johnson scored to tie the game up at one apiece as both teams went into the halftime break tied.

The visitors took advantage coming out of the halftime break, with Mark Wilson’s score. For another 20 minutes, New Kent had to figure out how to find another score. That goal would be courtesy of Mickel Prince’s header from Daniel Meyer’s assist with 20 minutes remaining helped the hosts tie the game up at two apiece.

But that score was short-lived as Smith’s heroics occurred two minutes later. And while New Kent did not allow another goal in the contest, they failed to muster up any threatening offense for the rest of the game, falling to Bruton.

After the contest, New Kent Head Coach Derek Yates talked about his team being able to play at the same standard for an entire game.

“We have to be more consistent and learn how to play the entire half like we did the last ten minutes of the second half,” he said. “I told my boys that you can’t take anything from that last goal, and it was about 40 yards out and it was a game changer.

“That was the icing on the cake,” Gates added. “We fought until the end, and we took this loss. It’s time to move on.”

New Kent’s record falls to 2-2.