KNIGHTS

KNIGHTS

KNIGHTS

Hickory Christian academy

Hickory Christian academy

Hickory Christian academy

Knights

Hickory Christian academy

Boys Varsity Soccer


Game Summaries & Team News
Game Summaries All Game Summaries
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. OPEN DATE
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 3 - 0
  Knights Win 2020 Foothills Athletic Conference Tournament Championship with 3-0 Victory vs University School   Hickory, NC – October 15, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s boys’ soccer team (11-1, 6-0) won the 2020 Foothills Athletic Conference Championship as the Knights defense held the Barracudas scoreless giving them their first shutout of the season. For the season the Knights went undefeated in conference and tournament play, winning both the regular season and tournament championship.   The Knights would strike first at minute eighteen as the talented junior Braden Runyon, a starter since his eight-grade year, took the assist from senior Braden Whitford and found the back of the net for a 1-0 advantage. Then at minute twenty-eight, most improved player of the year frontrunner Wyatt King was a recipient of a beautiful pass from junior Walker Harris and punched it in giving the knights a 2-0 lead.   Early in the second half, Harris once again showcased his improved play, striking goal off a corner kick and putting the game out of reach for University School. The 3-0 score would hold until the final whistle and the Knights and their rowdy fanbase would celebrate the victory with hoisting the championship trophy.   Senior Nate Walls 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. Walls received his first shutout of the season in memorable fashion, accumulating seven saves on the day. A two-year starter for the Knights at goalie, Walls and Coach Ramos have spent extra time on the pitch perfecting the seniors craft, and it paid dividends in the championship match.   Along with Walls, the knights solid back line play of seniors Caleb McMurray and Chase Collins along with junior Ian Benfield contributed to the first shutout of the season as each played the entire 80 minutes of the contest.   Looking ahead, the Knights await word for the state association for seeding in the 2A state playoff picture. The Knights should secure a top four state seed and look to make a run for the 2020 state championship.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Statesville Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 4 - 2
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Tabernacle Christian School-Hickory
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 2 - 1
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. University Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 4 - 1
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Statesville Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 2 - 1
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Davidson Day School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 6 - 1
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. University Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 8 - 2
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Forsyth Homeschoolers
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 5 - 1
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Davidson Day School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 8 - 2
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Asheville School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Lose: 0 - 9
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Southlake Christian Academy
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 3 - 1
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Statesville Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 2 - 1
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. OPEN DATE
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 3 - 0
  Knights Win 2020 Foothills Athletic Conference Tournament Championship with 3-0 Victory vs University School   Hickory, NC – October 15, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s boys’ soccer team (11-1, 6-0) won the 2020 Foothills Athletic Conference Championship as the Knights defense held the Barracudas scoreless giving them their first shutout of the season. For the season the Knights went undefeated in conference and tournament play, winning both the regular season and tournament championship.   The Knights would strike first at minute eighteen as the talented junior Braden Runyon, a starter since his eight-grade year, took the assist from senior Braden Whitford and found the back of the net for a 1-0 advantage. Then at minute twenty-eight, most improved player of the year frontrunner Wyatt King was a recipient of a beautiful pass from junior Walker Harris and punched it in giving the knights a 2-0 lead.   Early in the second half, Harris once again showcased his improved play, striking goal off a corner kick and putting the game out of reach for University School. The 3-0 score would hold until the final whistle and the Knights and their rowdy fanbase would celebrate the victory with hoisting the championship trophy.   Senior Nate Walls 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. Walls received his first shutout of the season in memorable fashion, accumulating seven saves on the day. A two-year starter for the Knights at goalie, Walls and Coach Ramos have spent extra time on the pitch perfecting the seniors craft, and it paid dividends in the championship match.   Along with Walls, the knights solid back line play of seniors Caleb McMurray and Chase Collins along with junior Ian Benfield contributed to the first shutout of the season as each played the entire 80 minutes of the contest.   Looking ahead, the Knights await word for the state association for seeding in the 2A state playoff picture. The Knights should secure a top four state seed and look to make a run for the 2020 state championship.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Statesville Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 4 - 2
Match Recap: Hickory Christian Advances to 2nd Round Championship Match with Win Against Statesville Christian 4-2 Hickory, NC – October 13, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s boys’ soccer team (10-1, 6-0) overcame a sluggish first half of play and a 0-2 deficit to advance to the championship game of the Foothills Athletic Conference.   This would be the third matchup of the season between conference rivals Hickory Christian and Statesville Christian. The first two games resulted in two HCA wins, winning both by a narrow 2-1 margin.   The Lions from Statesville frustrated the Knights throughout half number one and went into the halftime break up 2-0. This would be the second straight contest which the Knights would get behind early but ultimately find their groove and come out with a win.   This was a game of two halves for both teams as the Lions went scoreless in the second half, a half that saw the Knights come alive with stellar play both on the offensive and defensive sides of the pitch, scoring four unanswered goals to secure a 4-2 victory.   The improved play in half number two is reflective of the Knight’s ability to turn it on when needed. Second year head coach Bruno Ramos shared some loving criticism of the Knight’s first half play during the break and his players responded his challenges by coming out with a vengeance and taking care of business.   Senior Wyatt King started off the scoring onslaught at minute forty-three off the assist from junior Walker Harris. King, who scored the game winning goal at minute seventy-eight of last Friday’s contest against Tabernacle Christian continued his stellar play. Harris followed up King’s goal at minute forty-five with an impressive lob of the ball that dropped behind the outstretched hands of Lions goalie Adam Cronce, giving the Knights a huge momentum swing to tie the score 2-2.   Senior Braden Whitford, who sat out most of the first half to nurse a quad injury, made an immediate impact, scoring off a corner kick at minute number fifty. His goal would be the third goal in the first 10 minutes of the second half and giving his team the first lead of the contest, 3-2. At minute sixty-five, senior Wyatt King scored on yet another corner kick, his second goal of the match and putting a dagger in the hopes of a Lions victory.   Junior Walker Harris 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. Harris, who finished with one goal and one assist has come on strong as of late giving he Knights additional firepower on the offensive end. The junior form Marion, NC who makes the 55-minute commute to school each day, is a team favorite and has grown in both his skill level and soccer IQ over the past three seasons with the program.   On the injury front, senior Garrison Mullis sat out the contest recovering from an MCL sprain and is looking to return to action next week. Sophomore Michael Steinert who is healing a broken finger was out for the second consecutive contest. Steinert looks to return for the state playoffs.   The Knights were joined for the second consecutive game by 8th graders Kaleb Massey, Campbell Query, Andrew Ai and Hunter Duralia. Traditionally at the conclusion of the middle school season, the varsity coaches give an opportunity for upcoming 9th graders to be a part of the varsity experience. All four provided the Knight’s some valuable minutes off the bench in their first varsity action of the 2020 campaign.   Looking ahead, the Knights host the championship game of the Foothills Athletic Conference tournament as they battle University Christian for the third time this season on Thursday at Neill Clark with a 4:00 start.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Tabernacle Christian School-Hickory
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 2 - 1
Match Recap: On Senior Night, Senior Wyatt King Pulls Off Dramatic Goal In Final Two Minutes Against Tabernacle Christian, Giving The Knights A 2-1 Win   Hickory, NC – October 9, 2020 – Hickory Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ soccer team (9-1, 6-0) faced cross town Tabernacle Christian and narrowly escaped with a 2-1 victory with a dramatic 78-minute goal to break a 1-1 tie.   The contest was the first time in eleven years the two schools would square off, and they did not disappoint. Head coaches coach Bruno Ramos (Hickory Christian) and Andrew Cruse (Tabernacle) squared off for the first time.   The Knights and Conquerors were supported by an abundance of energetic fans who witnessed a masterpiece of competition between the two teams.   Tabernacle was awarded and completed a PK in minute 35, giving the guests a 1-0 advantage at the half.   During the halftime break, Coach Bruno Ramos made a few minor adjustments on the offensive end and the Knights controlled the pace and held possession for most of half number two.   In half number two, junior Braden Runyon was called upon for a Knights PK at minute 47 and blasted the ball over the outstretched hands of the Conquerors athletic goalie to find the upper left corner to even the score 1-1. The next 30 minutes of the contest was a lot of back and forth but ultimately saw the Knights take over possession and ultimately determine the outcome of the game.   Then at minute 78, senior Wyatt King calmly struck the ball past goalie on an assist from Runyon, giving the Knights a 2-1 advantage with under two minutes to play. A loud celebration ensued and once the Knights regained their focus, they were able to hold the lead for the win.   Senior Wyatt King 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. King, with perhaps his biggest goal of his 4-year varsity career, sealed the victory and a storybook ending to Senior Night.   At the conclusion of the game players, families, coaches and fans gathered to honor the eight seniors on this year’s roster.   Dylan Morrison Ben Vazquez Chase Collins Garrison Mullis Caleb McMurray Braden Whitford Nate Walls Wyatt King   Looking ahead, the Knights host Statesville Christian Friday October 13th @ 4:00 at Neill Clark. The contest will see conference number one seed Hickory Christian face off vs number four seed Statesville Christian in the first round of the Foothills Athletic Conference Tournament.  
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. University Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 4 - 1
Match Recap: Hickory Christian Finishes Conference Season Undefeated with Win Against University Christian 4-1   Hickory, NC – October 8, 2020 – Hickory Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ soccer team (8-1, 6-0) won their fourth consecutive conference regular season championship by putting away the Barracudas 4-1 on an unseasonably warm afternoon.   Hickory Christian would again start the game with at least four unanswered goals before giving up one in the 62nd minute.   Senior Braden Whitford struck first from an assist by fellow senior Garrison Mullis in minute nine. Then Mullis went on a roll, acquiring his first hat trick of the season, scoring goals at minute 25, 44, 53 respectively. Whitford, along with Junior Braden Runyon were credited with two of the assists.   Sophomore Hampton Query and freshman Cade Walls were co-recipients 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. Both Query and Walls put on a soccer clinic for the fans in attendance of ball possession, accurate distribution to their teammates and shut down defense when called upon.    Looking ahead, the Knights host Tabernacle Christian Friday October 9th @ 4:00 at Neill Clark.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Statesville Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 2 - 1
Match Recap: Hickory Christian Escapes Conference Victory with Close Win Against Statesville Christian 2-1 Hickory, NC – October 6, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s boys’ soccer team (7-1, 5-0) came out on top of a classic rivalry battle for a 2-1 victory against conference foe Statesville Christian on Tuesday at Neill Clark.   Hickory Christian would score a goal in each half and limit Statesville Christian offensively to secure a first-place finish in the Foothills Athletic Conference.   The Knights started off the scoring at minute thirty-two on junior Braden Runyan’s goals off the assist from junior Stephen Frye. Runyan poked it in with a beautiful left-footed finish. It would be the only goal of the first half as both teams struggled offensively to put the ball in net. The Lions packed the back line, frustrating the high-powered attack of the Knights. On the season the Knights were averaging 4.5 goals per contest. HCA’s senior all-state player Garrison Mullis was not available for the game and may have had an impact on the offensive rhythm.   The Knights tool a 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.   Half number two would closely resemble half number one. The Knights would strike at the 49th minute as senior Dylan Morrison went to the right and used a great angle to shoot back towards goal and slipped one by Statesville’s keeper to take a 2-0 lead. The Lions would answer with a goal at minute sixty-three but didn’t threaten for the remaining 17 minutes until the final whistle sounded, resulting in a 2-1 Knights victory.   Senior Wyatt King and junior Ian Benfield were co-recipients 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. King, this year’s version of a swiss army knife, continued his all-around unselfish play. King has been called upon all season long to play multipole positions and he has responded beautifully. Benfield, a talented junior starting to hit his peak on the defensive side, held the Lions attack in check all day and transitioned the ball to the Knight’s offense with precise execution. His understanding of the game and what is required of his position has had huge implications on the Knight’s success.   In the post-game activities, the newbies (new players to the team) performed the traditional newbie play in front of teammates, family and classmates. Snow White was the play of choice. This year’s version of the newbie play featured newcomers Cade Walls (his 2nd newbie play performance as he was called up at the end of last season), Austin Sparks, Brock Bridle, Luke Alrutz, Zach Clark and Hampton Query.   Chuck Walls, dad to senior goalkeeper Nate Walls and sophomore Cade Walls, did a standout job wearing his mask in the stands.   Looking ahead, the Knights host their final conference game as they battle University Christian on Thursday and then finish out the regular season hosting Tabernacle Christian on Friday. Both contests are at Neill Clark beside the HCA campus.  
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Davidson Day School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 6 - 1
Match Recap: Hickory Christian Gains Conference Victory with 6-1 win Over Davidson Day Davidson, NC – October 1, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s boys’ soccer team (6-1, 4-0) came out on top for a 6-1 victory against a familiar conference foe on Thursday at the Davidson Day soccer complex.   The stat line was impressive with Braden Runyon (2 goals, 1 assist), Dylan Morrison (2 goals, 1 assist), Garrison Mullis (1 goal), Braden Whitford (1 goal), Walker Harris (1 assist) and Austin Sparks (1 assist) leading the offense for the Knights.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. University Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 8 - 2
  Match Recap: Hickory Christian Secures Conference Victory with Win Against Cross Town Rival University Christian 8-2 Hickory, NC – September 30, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ soccer team (5-1, 3-0) dominated the pitch for an 8-2 victory against conference foe University Christian on Wednesday at Henry Fork. The contest was originally slated for Tuesday, but the rain pushed it back a day.   Hickory Christian would start the game with eight unanswered goals before giving up two in the final eight minutes for an important victory in the Foothills Athletic Conference regular season race.   Senior Garrison Mullis sent over an assist to fellow senior Braden Whitford allowing the Knights to get in the scoring column first (minute 17) going up 1-0. HCA would go up 2-0 during minute 23 as Whitford provided a beautiful assist to junior Braden Runyon for the score. The two Bradens are having superb seasons so far and are relied on heavily to initiate and finish the Knights attacking offense.   Mullis then added a goal (minute 33) as he was on the receiving end of senior Dylan Morrison’s assist.   Just three minutes later (minute 36) the Knights would strike once again as Mullis connected with Runyon, giving Runyon his second goal of the first half.   For the second consecutive contest the Knights took a lead into halftime, this time a 4-0 advantage.   Ten minutes after the second half whistle blew, giving the Knights a 5-0 cushion. The goal came off a corner kick as Runyon passed from the corner and found the feet of Morrision. Upon scoring on a set play, Morrison was the recipient of the newly introduced Set Play Chain…MONEY!     During the fifty-third minute, Whitford blasted one towards goal as he was knocked down to the ground. As the ball bounced off the top bar junior Stephen Frye was very optimistic and blasted the rebound into the back of the net, giving the Knights a solid 6-0 advantage.   Next up was Morrison who promptly dribble down the left side and up the back line towards goal and powered the ball into net to give the Knights a 7-0 lead. For the second consecutive game, the Knights found a way to score a long goal. This time it was a corner kick off the foot of senior Chase Collins. The left footed Collins, who hails from a few blocks up the street from the HCA campus, capped off an eight goal performance.   The Barracuda’s got on the board late in minute seventy-two after being awarded a penalty kick and at minute seventy-five to dial in a final score of 8-2.   Senior Dylan Morrison and junior Braden Runyon were co-recipients 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. Both Morrison and Runyon finished with 2 goals and 1 assist each for the game and were vocal in leading their teammates on the pitch.   Sophomore Austin Sparks received Battle Ball honorable mention for his tenacious play on the defensive side of the pitch, playing perhaps his best soccer of the season.   All members played valuable minutes in the contest. Senior Wyatt King continued his excellent play and was called on for action on both sides of the pitch. Senior goalie Nate Walls had three big saves. Senior Ben Vazquez stepped up his game as well, barely missing goal and playing at a level he's never experienced before. Senior and back line anchor Caleb McMurray continues to be the captain on the defensive side and taking care of business. Juniors Ian Benfield and Walker Harris proivided much needed sparks defensively and offensively. Sophomores Michael Steinert, Hampton Query and Luke Alrutz showed why they have been deserving of extra time on the pitch with solid play. Freshmen Brock Bridle, Cade Walls and Zach Clark are adjusting nicely to the speed of the varsity game and earning respect and trust from their teammates for their overall contributions.    Looking ahead, the Knights travel to Davidson Day on Thursday for their 3rd and final game of the week.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Forsyth Homeschoolers
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 5 - 1
Match Recap: Hickory Christian Takes Care of Business With A 5-1 Victory Over Forsyth Homeschoolers   Hickory, NC – September 28, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ soccer team (4-1, 2-0) earned a 5-1 victory over Forsyth Homeschoolers on Monday at Neill Clark.   Coming off an all-important conference win over Davidson Day last Thursday the Knights came into the game looking to build off their previous success.                                                                        Senior Dylan Morrison put the Knights in the scoring column first (minute 12) after fellow senior Garrison Mullis (assist).   Senior Caleb McMurray then executed a near miraculous direct kick from near mid-field during minute 33 that floated over the outstretched hands of the Pirates goalie. The senior defender threw up his hands with a goal gesture and headed back to anchor the defense. The Knights would now have a 2-0 advantage in the scoring column.   With the score 2-0 in favor of the Knights heading into halftime, second year coach Bruno Ramos had a few minutes to provide some much-needed instruction and encouragement. “We are bit panicky. When you receive the ball, turn and push forward”, Ramos instructed. “When we attack, and they counter we need better defense. Come goal side really hard and look for your center midfielder Whitford “ (referring to senior center midfielder Braden Whitford). Ramos also acknowledged that senior Wyatt King was “busting his hump” with a huge effort and was asking others to step up.   The Knights would strike early in half number two (49TH minute) as senior Wyatt King pushed the ball to the corner and turned it back to set up Morrison for his second goal of the contest. The Hawks scored their lone goal of the afternoon on a wild ricochet. Senior defender Caleb McMurray went to clear the ball out only ot have it bounce off a Pirates player for the score at minute fifty-two. The score was now 3-1 in favor of the Knights.   The Knights would answer with two more unanswered goals. At minute sixty-seven junior Braden Runyon would send over an assist to junior Walker Harris who punched a straight shot past goalie to take the score to 4-1. As the second half was drawing to an end, Runyon would finish out the scoring from an assist off the foot of junior Stephen Frye and send the final score to 5-1.   Senior Braden Whitford 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. Whitford always can be counted on for his outstanding hustle at the center mid position. He sets the tone early and often for his teammates and is a leader by example.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Davidson Day School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 8 - 2
    Match Recap: Hickory Christian Rebounds with Huge Win Against Davidson Day 8-2   Hickory, NC – September 24, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ soccer team (3-1, 2-0) dominated the pitch for an 8-2 victory against conference foe Davidson Day on Thursday at Neill Clark.   Coming off a disappointing loss to Asheville School on Tuesday the Knights came into the game with a chip on their shoulders and were in the lead the entire 80 minutes. Hickory Christian would start the game with five unanswered goals for an important victory in the Foothills Athletic Conference regular season race.   Senior Garrison Mullis put the Knights in the scoring column first (minute 15) after the ball bounced off the right post, found the foot of junior Braden Runyon (assist) who then found Mullis to go up 1-0.   Mullis added a second goal (minute 18) with Runyon placing the ball out front that allowed Mullis’ cat-like quickness to break free up the middle for a one on one with the Patriots goalie. Just one minute later senior Ben Vazquez punched a deflection off the Patriots goalie into the back of the net that gave the Knights a 3-0 advantage just 19 minutes into the match. At minute thirty-seven junior Stephen Frye, who has been limited this season dealing with foot issues, blasted a shot into the back left of goal on an assist from senior Wyatt King and the Knights took a 4-0 lead into halftime.   Soon after the second half whistle blew, Mullis would fill the scoresheet again for a hat trick. For the third time in the game, Mullis was a recipient of a beautiful assist from Runyon (minute 41) giving the Knights a 5-0 cushion.   The Patriots got on the board at minute forty-seven but it didn’t take HCA long to counter. Junior Walker Harris spotted senior Dylan Morrison open in the middle, dropped the ball off and watched Morrison deliver a missile into the back of the net that the Patriots goalie stood no chance of stopping (minute 48) for a 6-1 lead. The Patriots would score their final goal in minute fifty-three setting the score at 6-2.   Not long after, the Knights were awarded a penalty kick and Coach Ramos called on senior Wyatt King and he didn’t disappoint. King left no doubt as he easily found the back of the net, giving his team a 7-2 margin. Senior Braden Whitford would pad the lead with a penalty kick in minute seventy-seven. The senior was rewarded for his tenacious work in the middle of the pitch throughout the contest and moved the Knights to a 8-2 and subsequent final score.   On a night when the relentless Knights attack would not be stopped, junior Braden Runyon looked like a delivery man on Christmas, racking up 3 assists on the day while senior Garrison Mullis pulled off the improbable hat trick, scoring 3 goals. Senior Wyatt King (1 goal, 1 assist) was balanced on the stat sheet.   Junior Walker Harris added valuable minutes on the offensive end for the Knights providing much needed ball control and passing (1 assist).   On the defensive side senior goalie Nate Walls showed steady hands and confronted the Patriot’s forwards while seniors Caleb McMurray and Chase Collins and junior Ian Benfield consistently cleared the ball easily.  Sophomores Hampton Query and Luke Alrutz, freshmen Cade Walls, Brock Bridle and Zach Clark all had their best defensive performances of their young varsity careers. Junior Michael Steinert who plays on both sides of the ball contributed solid minutes on the offensive end and finished the contest in goal.   Senior Garrison Mullis 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. In addition to his hat trick on the offensive side the senior played the second half as the Knights sweeper and performed admirably for the defense.   The Knights showed great teamwork, communication and poise in coming back in dominating fashion to redeem their early week loss.   Looking ahead, the Knights have a demanding week coming up with four contests in five days. They start the week off hosting Forsyth Homeschoolers at 4:00 on Monday at Neill Clark.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Asheville School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Lose: 0 - 9
    Match Recap: Hickory Christian hits a bump in the road, suffering a tough 9-0 road loss to Asheville School   ASHEVILLE, NC – September 22, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ soccer team (2-1, 1-0) found themselves in a four-goal deficit over the first 27 minutes of the contest.   The Blues got off to a quick start, scoring the first goal of the match in just the 4th minute of play.    The Knight defense would hunker down to hold the Blues attack at bay, before the Blues team broke through again in the 17th minute, to take a 2-0 advantage. Goals at minute 22, 27 and 36 ended the first half with the Knights trailing 6-0.   The contest would end with the advantage going to Asheville School, 9-0.   The Knights will be back in action on Thursday when the team takes on conference foe Davidson Day in Hickory @ Neil Clark soccer field. Kickoff in Thursday's match is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on the HCA Soccer Facebook page.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Southlake Christian Academy
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 3 - 1
Match Recap: Hickory Christian Takes Win Against Southlake Christian 3-1   HUNTERSVILLE, NC – September 21, 2020 – The Hickory Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ soccer team (2-0, 1-0) battled for a 3-1 victory against 3A Southlake Christian Academy on Monday.   The match remained scoreless until the 37th minute when the Knights scored a goal by senior Garrison Mullis on a beautiful assist from junior Braden Runyon. Just two minutes later it was Mullis who would return the favor as he found Runyon open in the middle to move the score to 2-0 in favor of the Knights. Mullis was also the recipient of an errant call by the umpire in minute 33, having a score called off due to a controversial offside infraction.   In two games so far this season the Knights have a knack for starting slow then going on a back to back two goal score late in the first half or early second.   But this time the home Eagles would strike first in half number two, finding the back of the net before one minute elapsed in the second half. This quick score made the match 2-1 in favor of the Knights. The Vikings had their opportunity to tie the contest but saw two point blank misses bounce off the posts. The one goal advantage made things interesting, but the Knights went up 3-1 as senior Dylan Morrison scored at the 58th minute on an assist by senior Wyatt King.   “For the second consecutive game, we dominated the game,” assistant coach Daryl Carter said. “We were all over them and created a ton of good chances. We just have to finish them.”   Sophomore Hampton Query, freshman Cade Walls and Zach Clark received their first action of the season and were in the starting lineup for the first time in their young varsity careers. Along with sophomore Michael Steinert, this group was instrumental in the Knights victory over the Eagles.   Looking ahead, the Knights travel to 3A powerhouse Asheville School at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.        
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Statesville Christian School
3.0 years ago | Daryl Carter
Win: 2 - 1
Match Recap: Hickory Christian Gains Win Over Rival Statesville Christian 2-1 STATESVILLE, NC – September 14, 2020 – In a highly contested match, Hickory Christian Academy (1-0, 1-0) defeated Statesville Christian (0-1, 0-1) 2-1 before limited fans due to Covid19 protocols established by the NCISAA. However, there seemed to be some onlookers in the distance curious to see the first action of the season. This will likely prove to be a huge victory towards the Foothills Athletic Conference race for first place. Hickory Christian had their chances in the first half, maintaining possession on Statesville’s side of the pitch for 32 of the first 40 minutes of action. However, HCA was not able to capitalize on their opportunities and went into the halftime break tied at 0-0. Senior center midfielder and 2019 all-conference performer Dylan Morrison found the back of the net first for the Knights, scoring on a well-placed ball from junior and 2019 all-state member Braden Runyon at minute 45. Just one minute later, center midfielder Braden Whitford provided the Knight’s second goal, blasting a second-chance effort into the net after receiving a precise through-ball from senior and 2019 all-conference teammate Garrison Mullis. The Lions managed to score their lone goal at the 62nd minute mark. Coach Joel Whitford, making his highly anticipated coaching debut for the Knights program was instrumental on the defensive side holding the Lions to just one goal. Whitford, who has been a consistent supporter of the program for many years stepped into a more prominent role for the 2020 season and concentrates on the goalie position providing mentorship for 2-year starter Nate Walls. Freshman Brock Bridle and sophomore Austin Sparks had their first action of their high school career against the Lions and provided much needed defense to secure the win. For the contest the Knights held a 7-3 advantage shots on goal, and a 12-3 advantage on corner kicks.      

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