NC’s men’s varsity soccer team took their first win of the season, 1-0, against the McEachern Indians, on Tuesday, February 28. The Warriors held a stranglehold on the game, creating considerably more goal-scoring chances than their opponents.

NC, reminiscent of the English club Arsenal in their shape, started in a 4-2-3-1 in possession, with the right winger dropping to support the central midfielders out of possession.

McEachern, possibly due to lack of control, played more conservatively, regularly packing nine and ten bodies behind the ball. Both teams seemed determined to make gains through set pieces, as evidenced by their continued use of long throws and willingness to hit most any free kick into the mixer.

Senior defender Michael Vollbracht expressed optimism about the team’s chances in region this year, drawing on their quality defense and greater chemistry than in previous seasons.

“I think we’re kinda closer than we have been in the past years,” Vollbracht said.

Despite inability to truly kill the game with a second goal, NC will use this victory to kick into high gear for their next game at home against Hillgrove on Friday and for the rest of the season.