News & Observer | newsobserver.com | Lake Norman rallies to slip past Fike

Published: Nov 17, 2007 12:30 AM
Modified: Nov 17, 2007 03:23 AM

Lake Norman rallies to slip past Fike

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RALEIGH - Wilson Fike saw a two-goal lead and its dreams of an N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A boys soccer state title dissipate in less than two minutes -- at the hands of now two-time reigning state champion Lake Norman.

The Wildcats -- 4-2 victors in Friday's title match at the WRAL Soccer Complex -- offset Austen King's pair of second-half scoring free kicks (in the 46th and 71st minutes) with two goals inside the final 10 minutes of regulation by championship MVP Matt Foxx.

Foxx headed home a third score 2 minutes, 49 seconds into the first of two 10-minute overtimes for what proved to be the title-clinching score.

"They proved why they are 56-0 right now," Fike coach Toni Varacchi said of the Wildcats' winning streak since a Nov. 12, 2005 state quarterfinal loss to Mooresville.

"My boys laid it all on the line," she continued. "We accomplished a lot of things that have never been accomplished in Wilson County, and I'm proud of them."

The Golden Demons' 21 wins in 27 contests (including five losses, one tie) and 12 shutouts both are school single-season records.

Fike, too, became the first team to score against Lake Norman (29-0) in these state playoffs.

The Golden Demons, though, were unable to muster any additional shots on goal against the Wildcats.

"I think we proved we can play with anybody," Varacchi said. "But I also think Lake Norman proved why they are where they are right now."

J.Q. Brantley's rebound and follow shot with 2:59 left in the second overtime cemented the final score.

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