Raider soccer squad downs Franklin, Oglethorpe, Walnut Grove

Against Franklin County, Forrest Gaskin scored two goals, while Luis Herrera and Geovani Castro scored one each.

“The boys were able to string together some great passing and teamwork during the second half,” said Raider head coach Daniel Joyner, whose team entered the second half tied at two with the Lions.

Madison County followed up its Friday road win with a 3-0 victory in cold, windy conditions in Danielsville Saturday.
Luis Herrera got a hat-trick by scoring all three goals.

“The boys possessed the ball for the majority of the game and were able to keep the defense running throughout,” said Joyner.

The coach said Herrera “has been playing extremely well for us up top as a forward.”

“He has been playing with lots of intensity and as a team player,” said Joyner. “He has received the ball many times and played it to a teammate instead of trying to take on the defense all by himself. He is also working hard to make runs in the backfield to open up space for his team and when he has had the opportunity to attack he has done so.”

The coach said Jake Lampe, Moe Shay Aye and Ta Hay Latt have been holding down the defensive line.

“They are working well together and communicating great in the backfield,” said Joyner. “Our defense has looked very solid over the past two games and they are continuously improving.”

Joyner added that Forrest Gaskin and Oliver Espinosa “have been great in the midfield” receiving the ball and directing the Raider offensive attacks.

“They are possessing the ball and passing it to open teammates which have created opportunities to attack,” said Joyner. “Some of the goals this weekend came from our midfielders finding feet and setting up the attack.”

On Monday, the Raiders blanked Walnut Grove 1-0. Castro scored the one goal for Madison County.

“We had multiple opportunities to score but weren’t able to put a second or third goal into the