Late tally costs Raiders at Terry Sanford

FAYETTEVILLE — Thursday’s non-conference soccer match between the Richmond Raiders and Terry Sanford Bulldogs was decided in the final minute.

Trying to snap a season-long skid, the Raiders weren’t able to pull off the road victory.

After coming back to knot the score at two goals apiece, Richmond allowed the game-winning goal with 35 seconds left in regulation. Terry Sanford held on for the 3-2 win.

“Other than the first minute where we gave up a silly goal, I told the guys at halftime that we played the best collective game we had all season,” head coach Chris Larsen said. “We did a great job at creating opportunities, knocking the ball around and connecting passes.

“We were able to tie it up on Landon (Summerlin’s) goal and that gave us some momentum. (Terry Sanford’s) second goal was a quality shot, but our guys kept fighting and creating chances. Noah (Gil) broke the ice after having early opportunities to score and I thought we’d sneak out with a 2-2 tie.

“But we played the ball long on a clear attempt and lost it in the midfield,” he continued. “They made a nice 40-yard run down the field before sliding it across the box and into the side net.”

Terry Sanford (4-4) netted a goal just 45 seconds into the match courtesy of a Richmond foul in the box. Soren Verhine made it 1-0 on a penalty kick.

Summerlin didn’t waste much time to score his second goal of the season. Making a run up the middle of the field, he was fouled near the top of the 18-yard box.

Taking the kick himself, Summerlin curled the ball with his left foot into the net to make it 1-1 in the ninth minute.

Both teams would have several more chances to score but entered halftime tied.

In the 50th minute, Nicholas Agustin gave the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead.

With the clock winding, Summerlin and Gil connected for a goal in the 72nd minute to tie the match 2-2.

Summerlin, credited with the assist, passed the ball to Gil who sent a rocket to the goalkeeper’s short side for his second goal of the season.

The Bulldogs added their final goal in the final minute when Cristiano Sharpe finished off a run that was created off a turnover near midfield.

“We’re trending in the right direction,” Larsen closed. “Aside from one game, we’ve been in every ball game and have been competitive.

“I can’t fault the guys for their effort. Playing tough non-conference games only makes us better and hopefully we can get back on track for our first conference game Monday.”

Richmond (1-6) will try to correct course Monday when the Raiders open Sandhills Athletic Conference play at Southern Lee High School (7-1). Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

JV Raiders also fall to Terry Sanford

An early double yellow card in the Richmond junior varsity boys’ soccer match Thursday resulted in the team playing a man down for the majority of both halves.

Richmond wasn’t able to overcome the disadvantage and lost 2-0 to the JV Bulldogs.

The JV Raiders managed to go into halftime in a scoreless draw, but two goals in the final 35 minutes gave Terry Sanford the win.

Now 2-4-1 on the season, the JV Raiders will begin SAC action Monday at Southern Lee. The match will start at 5 p.m.

Sports editor’s note: Chris Larsen, Bennie Howard and Andy Summerlin contributed to this article.