Boys soccer team improves to 4-1; Wise scores seven goals

Berkeley Springs Boys Soccer team flexed its collective muscles last week with impressive wins over Class AA rivals Petersburg and Frankfort to improve to 4-1 on the year. The Indians downed the Vikings 7-3 on Tuesday, August 31 and then shoutout Frankfort, 4-0, on September 2.

Josh Fox scored his first career goal in the opening minute against Petersburg, giving the Tribe a 1-0 lead, before Zach Wise and Derrick Cowles took over the game. Wise scored five times, and Cowles assisted on five goals, as the Berkeley Springs offense put on quite a display. Gudiel Guzman, who had an assist of his own, scored the other Berkeley Springs goal.

"I wouldn't say it was our best game, but the starters opened up a large enough lead that everyone got to play, and that is always a good thing," said Berkeley Springs Coach Jamie Chenoweth.

"Derrick (Cowles) had a great game with five assists," continued Chenoweth. “We've been working on doing the simple stuff, and I think we found that tonight. Derrick made some simple passes and did a good job. Zach Wise will find a way to score in nearly every game, but today his job was made easier by artful passing from Derrick."

Two days later Berkeley Springs hosted Frankfort in an important sectional game and though they didn't ring up another seven goals, the Indians still dominated the action, out shooting the Falcons 25-5, in the 4-0 triumph.

Again, it was Wise who led the Berkeley offense with a pair of goals, while Quentin Godman and Jared Levi scored one each. Cowles added another assist as did Levi and Dylan Trip.

The defense also played well and goalkeeper Caleb Murray stopped all five shots on goal.

"I am pretty happy with the way the boys played," Chenoweth said. Defensively we were organized and disciplined. “Our defense has been growing stronger and smarter with each game and offensively we controlled the tempo and attacked from all directions."

Even though the Indians shutout Frankfort, Chenoweth thought that the Falcons made a good showing.

"Frankfort showed a lot of determination and gave us a good match," Chenoweth said.

Berkeley Springs, ranked third in Class AA by wvsoccer.net, has defeated all of its sectional foes and currently sets atop the sectional standings.
The Indians will play at St. James on Friday, September 10.