First to play was the 17 Boys against the Strikers and they soon established themselves on the game taking a 2-0 half time lead, both goals being scored by Dehmeh Smith. Early in the 2^nd half Roanoke had an opportunity to further advance the score line when a Strikers defender prevented a certain goal with a foul from behind in the penalty box. Unfortunately, the opportunity was wasted as Parker Walsh, normally very reliable in these situations, missed the penalty kick. This seemed to spur the Strikers on and they began to force their way into the game despite now playing with a man down as a result of a red card for disputing the penalty decision. The Strikers were rewarded for their good play with a goal after a defensive blunder and soon after the score was 2-2 after some more slack defending and a fine finish. Strikers were now beginning to play with a lot of confidence and could even have taken a lead soon after.
However, Roanoke Star soon regained their composure and got back in stride. Some great finishing and more purposeful attacking resulted in 3 quick goals to round off the match. All the goals came from Trey Gaylor and Roanoke Star ended up 5-2 winners. It was a well played game from both teams and Roanoke Star will be pleased with the score line but will certainly have to tighten up a bit as they face tougher tests in the coming weeks and months.
Later in the day it was the turn of the 18 Boys to show just what a great program we have at Roanoke Star. They were to play the Strikers U18 Academy, a team with a large reputation and confidence to match. The 18 Boys at Roanoke Star were not fazed however and took an early lead after a fine goal from David Rochow. Soon after a quickly taken free kick from the same player gave the Star team a 2-0 half time lead. In soccer 2-0 leads are often described as the worst lead in soccer as it often leads to overconfidence (as evident in the 17 Boys game!), but the 18 Boys got the perfect start to the second half as Matt Cox added a 3^rd goal. The Strikers continued to push but a very strong display from the back 4 and goalkeeper kept their attack at bay. In the closing stages of the game, Roanoke Star countered and completed the scoring with another fine finish from Matt Cox.
The 18 Boys will be very happy with their performance. The result was certainly deserved and they limited the Strikers to just a few half chances throughout the game. The 4-0 victory was a great testament to the Star program. Despite the players only having a couple of weeks training they showed how well they have developed over the past few years. Several of the players on the team are considering offers to play at the college level and based on this display, the players should look forward to the season with great confidence and enthusiasm.


Roanoke Star does well in games vs. Kickers Academy teams

On Wednesday 20^th August Roanoke Star travelled to Charlottesville to play the U16 and U18 Richmond Kickers USSF Academy teams.
The U18 Boys played a great game and won 2-1. They took a deserved lead after a great cross from Lucas Findley was headed in by Matt Cox for an early first half goal. Roanoke had most of the possession at this time but a great counter attacking goal which came from a Roanoke Star corner meant that the half time score was 1-1.
In the 2^nd half Roanoke continued to enjoy the majority of chances and possession with their defense snuffing out the dangerous Kickers attack. With 14 minutes left to play Kickers were reduced to 10 men after a player received an injury and Kickers had used up all their substitutes. With 7 minutes left to play, Kickers nearly went down to 10 men after a player suffered cramp but thankfully they were able to complete the last 7 minutes with 10 players. Roanoke was still pressing however and a fine goal with 4 minutes left to play from David Rochow secured the win. There was even a chance right at the finish for Roanoke to add another goal as Dayton Steele advanced and Dane Ferguson slid in to very nearly claim a third goal. Overall it was a great game, well played by both teams with Roanoke coming out on top for a deserved victory.

 Meanwhile, on an adjacent field, the Roanoke Star 17 Boys were comprehensively outplaying the Kickers Academy team. Against the run of play, Kickers took the lead after a fine run and finish from their forward. This only seemed to galvanize the Roanoke Star squad and they were quick to respond after an excellent wall pass and finish by Ben Radford, joining the attack from right back. Half time score was 1-1 but Roanoke was in no mood to let the scores stay level for long.
What followed in the 2^nd half was an outstanding display of attacking, possession soccer from Roanoke Star. They moved the ball well, were strong and organized defensively and played at a pace that Kickers struggled to live with. Further goals from Chase Barnett, Parker Walsh and Johnny Hughes ensured a fine 4-1 win for Roanoke Star. 13 of the 18 players who played for the 17 Boys team are age appropriate for the U16 USSF Academy and they showed with this performance that top level youth soccer can and will flourish outside of the USSF Academy system.
Overall it was a great start to the season for the 17 and 18 Boys after just a few training sessions. We are looking for both these teams to continue the hard work and progress in their development. It is very pleasing to know that larger populated areas do not have the monopoly on good soccer and the teams at Roanoke Star will continue to show everyone just what great talent the Southwest Virginia area has.