The Swain High Men’s Soccer team hosted the Highlands Highlanders on Monday night in a tough conference matchup. The Highlanders came into the game undefeated in conference play tied for first place with Blue Ridge and one game ahead of the Maroon Devils. Just three minutes into the game the Devils would connect on seven straight passes that would start with the goalkeeper Senior Cameron Phillips and finish 120 yards down the field when Senior Matthew Gray would find the back of the net for the goal. Senior Gavin Rowland would get the assist. For the next 77 minutes it would be a defensive standoff between the Highlanders and Devils with the Devils taking the 1-0 win.
“We knew going into this season and into this game that Highlands was going to be one of the toughest teams in the conference. Our players came out ready to play tonight. Our ball movement continues to improve as the season goes along.” said Head Coach Scott Cline. “Our players have very specific goals for this season and continue to work towards those goals.”
On the Defensive side Senior Canon Helpman led the way with 19 clears/steals. He was followed by Sophomore Brendan Lanning with 16, Sophomore McClane Whorton with 8, and Senior Gavin Rowland and Sophomore Mason Devine with 6. In goal Senior Cameron Phillips recorded 25 goalkeeper saves. The Player of the Game for the Devils was Senior Cameron Phillips. “Cameron did an amazing job in goal. He kept us in the game with some of his great saves. He played a very consistent game.” said Cline. The Maroon Devils move to 5-1 in conference play. They are tied for second with Highlands and one game behind Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge and Highlands are scheduled to play on Wednesday. All three teams will play each other one more time after that. On Wednesday the Maroon Devils will travel to Murphy to take on Tri-County for a 6:00 kick off.