No. 4 Leesville Road routs No. 2 Apex Friendship in Wake County Cup final, 4-1

Leesville Road Soccer made history tonight on the turf field of Cardinal Gibbons High School. In a 4-1 victory against the Apex Friendship Patriots, Leesville Road's varsity-men's team clutched the Wake County Cup Championship title. The victory was a first-time achievement for the school, and also marked the addition of a new team into the circle of Wake County Tournament champions (which includes Cardinal Gibbons, Apex and Green Hope).

Neither team playing tonight had won the title before. Anticipation for a new winner was evident in the stands as both sets of bleachers jeered the refs and cheered for their respective teams. The event proceeded with a green light, unlike last year where regular season play was restricted to only conference games due to COVID-19.

The scoreboard was in a lull for the first 14 minutes as both teams duked it out in the midfield. The seal was broken by Abdul Querneh with an unassisted goal. He outmatched the keeper (Tahseen Habash) in a 1 vs. 1 contest. Three minutes later, on the other side of the field, Lessville's offense made an overzealous play—sliding into the back of a Patriots player—which created a penalty shot opportunity for Apex's lead scorer: Tyler Moczulski. He struck the ball into the gloves of the keeper, followed up on the deflection and put in the goal.

Toward the end of the first half, Camden Dinkenor made an accurate shot attempt, but was faltered by a sliding save from Apex Goalie: Tahseen Habash. Leesville became omnipresent on the field, but was unable to lead into the second half, keeping the score tied at 1-1.

The second half began with Apex Friendship's back line under pressure. As the last 20 minutes approached, Leesville Road took full control of the field and put the game on ice. A centered ball deflected off a blue Patriot into the chest of Camden Dinkenor. He settled the ball and drilled a goal from 10 yards out in the 53rd minute. Soon thereafter, Camden made another play at goal which was blocked into the air. Number 16, Nick Prewo, slides in the goal. The score is 3-1. Strikers continued to show off their individual skills as an exact pass was sent to Alex Cross who buried the fourth and final goal of the game in the 64th minute.

Apex Friendship fought to the end, but Leesville came out on top as first-time Wake County Cup Champions, adding another win to Coach Dinkelnores record of over 1,000 games won. The game ended with handshakes and a presentation of the tournament trophy to a well-deserving Leesville Road, making them 8-1 in the season.