CHAPEL HILL — The Community Vikings and Forrest Rockets battled for 80 minutes in a hard-fought, physical matchup Tuesday night, and in the end neither team could connect on the go-ahead goal …
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CHAPEL HILL — The Community Vikings and Forrest Rockets battled for 80 minutes in a hard-fought, physical matchup Tuesday night, and in the end neither team could connect on the go-ahead goal late as the 2022 season and District 6-A opener for both teams ended in a 2-2 tie.
After a scoreless first 20 minutes, Community scored twice in less than a minute span.
Ramon Hernandez drilled home a loose ball in front of the net with 19:44 remaining to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead.
Randy Anica followed with a goal just 55 seconds later to give the Vikings a 2-0 advantage.
"Our offense connected really well," Coach Jesse Cooper of the Vikings said. "We had a good combination on the goals."
The Rockets continued to put the pressure on the Vikings by staying on the Community end of the field for the majority of the half.
Forrest capitalized as Chris Davis took a rebound off the goalie and put the ball into the net to cut the Viking lead to 2-1 with 13:28 left and end the first half scoring.
Forrest knotted the score eight minutes into the second half as Hayden Milligan took a rebound and tapped the ball into the open net.
Both teams looked to break the 2-2 tie in the final 31 minutes.
The Rockets controlled field possession until the final 10 minutes before the Vikings changed the momentum and had several close tries at the goal before time expired.
"We've got to work on some defensive stuff," Cooper said. "Anytime you're up 2-0, it's a dangerous lead because you get comfortable and relax and that's what we did."
It was the first game for Cooper at the helm for Community.
Cooper has no shortage of players as 28 Vikings are currently on the roster.
"It's a good thing for this program going forward getting respect in the district and region," Cooper said.
Forrest traveled to Cascade for a district matchup Thursday while Community will have a break before hosting Cascade in a district game on March 24.
Community 2 0 — 2
Forrest 1 1 — 2
First Half
C — Ramon Hernandez goal (19:44).
C — Randy Anica goal (18:49).
F — Chris Davis goal (13:28).
Second Half
F — Hayden Milligan goal (31:26).