NIGHTS COMPLETE FIRST WEEK OF THE 2018 FALL SOCCER SEASON WITH THREE WINS AGAINST NO LOSSES AFTER A 5-3 VICTORY OVER SALEM BAPTIST; 3-0-0 Overall, 0-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA) 

WINSTON SALEM, NC- The HCA Knights made a second trip this week to the Sara Lee Soccer Complex in Winston Salem to face Salem Baptist. 

The match got off to a blistering pace as the Vikings from Salem Baptist scored goal before a minute had elapsed, taking a quick 1-0 advantage. The Knights answered almost immediately as Senior Gabe Walker took an assist from Sophomore Caleb McMurray to tie the score 1-1 in minute number three.

At minute number seven, the Vikings scored another goal but the Knights came right back within a matter of seconds when Gabe Walker found Sophomore Wyatt King in the middle of the box and King evened the score 2-2. 

After witnessing four goals in the games first eight minutes, the fans traveling from Hickory received a little breathing room after Gabe Walker, taking an assist from Sophomore Garrison Mullins, found the back of the net giving the Knights a 3-2 lead at the twenty sixth minute. The score would remain 3-2 in favor of the Knights until half time.

Seven minutes into the 2^ndhalf at minute number forty seven the Vikings struck once again and tied the score 3-3. But just one minute later in minute number forty eight, Senior Luke Ikerd made an awesome assist to Gabe Walker and Walker capitalized on the opportunity for goal and now the Knights were once again on top, 4-3. 

Fortunately for the Knights Sophomore Wyatt King would locate Freshman Braden Runyon and the freshman punched it in the goal and moving the lead to 5-3 in minute fifty-three. With a flurry of offense during the games first fifty-three minutes the final twenty-seven would prove to be a defensive battle. As the final whistle sounded the Knights had secured the win 5-3.

Senior Gabe Walker was the recipient of the HCA Battle Ball, a HCA tradition after each game awarded to the player with the best effort, attitude, performance and all around impact on the outcome of the contest. Walker finished the game with 3 goals, 1 assist and involved his teammates with unselfish play. 

During the post game team recap, head coach Josh Walker emphasized that we have to hold better possession of the ball, particularly in the middle of the field. Also noted was the Knights need to secure the backline, communicate better and continue to improve their conditioning. 

The Knights return to action with a home game against Westminster Catawba Christian School on Tuesday August 21^st. The contest is slated to begin at 4:00 @ the Henry Fork Soccer Complex.