New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

Two early scores enough as New Kent downs Colonial Heights in home opener

By Robb Johnson | March 16, 2023 7:21 am

New Kent’s David Whatley (12) uses his head to redirect a pass over Colonial Heights’ midfielder Keagan McNulty (15).

Robb Johnson photo

A new year means a fresh start on the pitch for New Kent’s boys’ soccer team. And a fresh start means kicking the season off with a win.

Check and check.

New Kent’s early scores in the opening half were enough for a 3-1 victory over the visiting Colonial Heights’ Colonials during the Mar. 14 matchup.

It only took the hosts a little over seven minutes to find the back of the net. A throw in from Tyler Amos found teammate Mickel Prince, who sent a shot to the back of the net for the opening score. A few minutes later, Nathan Karaffa dribbled down the center from midfield and sent a long-distance connection that got over the arms of goalkeeper Luis Ramirez-Chun to double the Trojans’ advantage.

It wouldn’t be until the early stages of the second half when Colonial Heights changed their tally on the scoreboard. Bayron Guerra-Hernandez scored in the opening moments, slicing the hosts’ lead in half (2-1). And while New Kent’s defense struggled, they survived the physical pressure from the visitors. A late goal by Amos provided an insurance score for the Trojans as they captured the victory.

After the contest, New Kent Head Coach Derek Yates spoke about his team’s efforts in the season opening win.

“I was happy going into the half with a 2-0 lead,” he said. “But we came out a little nonchalant in the second and got scored on quick.

“We picked it up some and ultimately, I was happy with the outcome in getting our first win of the season,” Yates concluded.

New Kent is 1-0 to begin the season.