KNIGHTS BATTLE HARD, COME UP SHORT AGAINST GASTON DAY SCHOOL, GASTONIA, NC; 4-2 SCORE; 4-3-0 Overall, 0-0 Foothills Athletic Conference  

GASTONIA, NC- August 29^th, 2019 – On a warm afternoon on the pitch, the Knights continued their daunting early season road travels. All seven of the Knights games thus far have been on the road. At this point of the 2019 campaign the Knights have played last years 2A state champion, 1A state champion, 1A state runner up, 3A member Asheville Christian and 2A Westminster Christian. To put the early season success in perspective the Knights have battled their way to a winning record despite a myriad of injuries and setbacks. Kudos to the Knights for showing courage and strength. 

As expected, the Knights and Trojans put on an entertaining contest for the many fans in attendance. 

Let’s get to the action!

Ten minutes in, the Trojans took the lead 1-0. At the 28^thminute mark, the Knights would respond as junior Braden Whitford scored off a set play corner kick from junior Garrison Mullis, the score knotted at 1-1. The Trojans would answer with their second goal during minute thirty-three and move ahead 2-1. However, Whitford would score his second goal of the contest early in the second half off a beautiful assist from junior Dylan Morrison. At minute forty-four the Knights and Trojans were deadlocked at 2-2. An apparent (phantom) foul in the box gave the host Trojans some home cooking at the 47^thminute mark as they were able to capitalize on their opportunity off a penalty kick, giving them the lead 3-2. The defensive battle would continue for the next thirty minutes until the Trojans punched it in during the 77^thminute to finish off the scoring and securing a 4-2 victory.

Despite the loss, the Knights gained valuable experience and continued their quest to improve in all facets of their game. They also welcomed Dylan Morrison to the pitch, as he saw his first action as a Knights player. Morrison transferred to Hickory Christian this past off season and was cleared to play after rehabbing a groin injury the first month of the season. 

(Oops! We forgot the battle ball winner) was the recipient of the HCA Battle Ball, an 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. 

The team and parents capped off the trip to Gastonia with a quick, 2 hour meal at the local Wendy’s. 

The Knights will host their first home game of the season on Tuesday September 3^rdwith a 4:00 contest against the Asheville Trailblazers. The game will be held at Neil Clark beside the HCA campus.