Fuquay-Varina girls soccer edges rival Middle Creek

Fuquay-Varina girls soccer has been “using their heads” all season, relying on smart, savvy play and headed goals to down their opponents and Wednesday night was no different. The Bengals picked up their fifth win in a row, getting past Middle Creek 3-2.

After an uneventful first half in which offensive chances were at a premium outside of Fuqyay’s Megan Greene’s headed goal in the 30th minute, the floodgates flung open in the second half.

Six minutes after the halftime senior night festivities, Middle Creek’s Elise Atkinson corralled a loose ball into the back of the net that served as a catalyst for both teams’ offenses.

Two minutes later, Greene washed out the Mustangs celebrations with yet another headed goal, pounding Trinity Davis’ corner into the back of the net.

The back-and-forth continued as Middle Creek’s Mattie Murphy launched a long-range shot into the back of the net for another equalizer, but this time Fuquay needed only a minute to respond as Brittany Greene – Megan’s twin sister – chipped a Kelley Suggs long ball over the keeper and into the net in the 60th minute.

“There’s that little lull right after you score and (Fuquay) took advantage of us,” Middle Creek coach Guy Coleman said. “We got them the first time and they got us this time.”

The Bengals avenged a 1-0 decision against the Mustangs on March 21.

“The effort from the team all the way out from the start of the game to the end, they responded really well. They faced a little adversity,” Fuquay coach Nick Acosta said. “Both teams are really organized defensively, but there were some really good goals this game.”

Middle Creek played what will likely be its final home game of the year, but the Mustangs have no problem looking ahead as they’ve scored 24 of their 33 goals this season on the road.

“We’re moving onto Green Hope and Apex away, which is good for us, we’re looking to get on the road where we’re 7-0-0,” Coleman said. “Hopefully we’ll travel in the playoffs if we make it.”

Turning point

Megan Greene’s second goal that came two minutes after Middle Creek’s first equalizer showed the Bengals weren’t interested in settling for a draw.

Three to know

Kelley Suggs, Fuquay-Varina: Suggs assisted the first and final Bengal goals and was confident with the ball at her feet.

“I put her in four different positions today and she does everything she can for this team,” Acosta said.

Megan Greene, Fuquay-Varina: Greene broke the 20-goal mark for the season after knocking in two against Middle Creek.

Elise Atkinson, Middle Creek: Scored the first goal of the second half that got the ball rolling on offense for both sides.

“Comes in and scores on her senior night, you can’t beat that,” Coleman said.

Highlight reel

Murphy’s goal left the crowd in awe, sniping a shot from 25 yards out into the bottom left corner.

“She’s a freshman,” Coleman said. “We’re expecting a big future out of her.”

By the numbers

7: Saves for Middle Creek goalkeeper Carolina Lauer.

37: Despite each scoring and conceding two goals in the second half, Fuquay held the lead for 37 minutes of the second period and 47 minutes overall.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 11:16 PM with the headline "Fuquay-Varina girls soccer edges rival Middle Creek."