Gryphons advance to Big East soccer finals after stopping Northern Nash

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WILSON - Rocky Mount was able to defeat  Northern Nash in boys soccer for the third time this season Tuesday evening with a 5-1 win in the second round of the Big East Conference Tournament at Hunt High School. 

Rocky Mount will face Wilson Hunt, a 4-0 winner over Wilson Fike in the other semifinal, in the tournament finals Thursday at 7 p.m.

Facing rainy and wet conditions, the Gryphon team seemed unfazed and took the pitch with a determination to set the tone of the match early after having had a slim 1-0 victory over Northern less than a week ago.

Both teams matched up well defensively early on in the first half with each team battling it out in the midfield. Catching the Knights slightly out of position and receiving a corner kick, the Gryphons were finally able to capitalize 15 minutes into the match.

Junior Matt Williams took the corner and placed a high ball perfectly in front of the net. Senior Tim Bishop was able to leap through the Knights' packed defense and head the ball past keeper Josh Harpers reach for the first Gryphon goal. 

Minutes later, Williams was able to connect again - this time with senior Justin Marsigli with only 6:37 remaining. Being fed the ball and pushing just past Northern Nash's defense, Marsilgi ripped a shot into the net giving the Gryphons a 2-0 lead. 

Solid defensive play continued as the rain began to fall more steadily. Though Northern was able to push the ball into Gryphon territory, keeper Drew Gorham and the Gryphons' back line of senior Justin Hartney and juniors Mark Gray and Robert Chambless fought off any attack. That allowed the Knights few easy scoring opportunities.

With only 2:44 remaining in the half, junior Andrew Morales played a long ball to Williams. Williams took a hard shot at the goal and yet the Knights' keeper was able to get a hand on the ball to deflect. However, being in the right place at the right time and demonstrating a nose for the goal, Marsigli was able to punch the deflected ball into the net giving Rocky Mount a 3-0 lead in the first half. 

After the half, Northern came out with a greater intensity and challenged the Gryphons with more physical play and well placed passes. 

After fighting off several Northern attacks, Rocky Mount regained its focus. Sophomores Paul Lilley and Matt Boudreau stepped up in meeting the physical and quick play of the Knights center and midfield - limiting the Knights' scoring opportunities. 

Into the second half, the Knights found themselves in front of their goal, working to defend against a focused Gryphon team. 

A cross from sophomore Lee McAvoy proved fatel as Knight defender Adam Wesche misplayed a ball to his goalie, who seemed somewhat stunned and was unable to protect the Knights net. The own goal gave the Gryphons a 4-0 lead.

The Gryphons (17-2-2) did not let up and continued to push the ball up and pressure Northern Nash's defense.  With only 5:16 remaining, Williams positioned directly in front of the net, made a back pass to Morales. Morales rocketed a ball past the Knight's keeper, scoring the last Rocky Mount goal of the rainy evening.

Northern continued to push and challenge the defense. The Gryphons had an untimely foul called just outside the 18 and with only 2:20 remaining, Isia Gonzales was able to place the ball in the net to put the Knights on the board with their first goal. 

For the game, the Gryphons were credited with 17 shot attempts while limiting Northern to 12 shots. Gryphon goalie Gorham was credited with 10 saves, while Harper tallied 10 saves for the Knights.

After the match, a wet Rocky Mount head coach Drew Nick had only one comment, "Thursday," alluding to the championship game the Gryphons will play on Thursday evening.