Delmarva Christian soccer cages the Bulldogs 4-2

It all seemed to come together for the Delmarva Christian boys’ soccer team in its 4-2 victory over Laurel Oct. 15.

“We came out here and played our game today, and I hope we can do it for the rest of the season as well,” said captain Jay Parrish.

The win comes after five straight losses by two goals.

“We've been trending in the right direction,” said coach Luke Shiderly. “We've been losing games we shouldn't be losing, but at the same time, we've been playing teams so much tougher and so much closer. One-goal games, two-goal games, and in it the whole time.”

Laurel took the lead four minutes into the contest, but Delmarva Christian was able to shake off working from behind when Ian Campbell one-touched a rocket into the upper-90 to tie the game. Parrish danced through the Bulldogs moments later to give the Royals a 2-1 lead.

“We're definitely getting chemistry together,” Parrish said. “We lost our whole chemistry up top because we lost one of our wingers to graduation and the other one got injured, but we're finally getting it together, and Ian played a great game as well.”

Captain Cam Smithson has been holding down the middle of the field for the Royals, and Parrish made sure to find him for Delmarva Christian’s third goal of the first half.

“Cam scored his first goal, and he's been seeking one all year,” Shiderly said. “He's been our workhorse in the middle and doesn't get a lot of recognition.”

Laurel cut the Royals' lead in half six minutes into the second frame when a free kick rattled off the crossbar, and the Bulldogs raced in to bury the rebound like a bone in the yard. 

While the visitors kept the pressure up, junior goalkeeper Isaiah McCluskey was busy trying to make up for what he called a mishap on Laurel’s first notch.

“I had a big mistake at the start, and then it was in crunch time, and it's a split-second decision coming out, you just gotta put yourself out there,” McCluskey said. “Even though I might not have played everything the right way in crunch time, you just gotta get it done.” 

“I could tell a lot of guys were getting tired, but we still just kept on playing,” Parrish said. “Zay kept us in it with a couple of really great saves.”

McCluskey was forced off his line a handful of times in the second half and put his body on the line to keep the goal total for Laurel under two.

“I was praying every time, just asking the Lord for strength,” McCluskey said. “When I see them coming in, it's just quick decisions, and just gotta put yourself out there and sacrifice yourself.”

Shiderly was quite proud of his keeper.

“Isaiah, in one-on-one, made some amazing plays,” Shiderly said. “His growth has been amazing.”

The Royals’ final goal came from another player who has shown tremendous progress this year, Blake Dale. The sophomore's work with his touch is beginning to match his gift of speed.