The Roanoke Rapid Yellow Jackets men's soccer team hosted Southern Vance at Hoyle field Monday night for a 2A Northern Carolina Conference match.
The Jackets at one point had a 3-1 lead, but Southern Vance forced overtime with a 3-3 tie at the end of regulation. The Jacket won 4-3 in overtime.
All four Roanoke Rapids goals were by Carson Neal with three assisted by Emerson Escobar.
Thomas Merritt had 22 saves in goal.
Roanoke Rapids head coach Craig Jean post match comments, "We came out very sluggish. We had a stretch where we scored 3 quick goals and looked good. We didn't finish them off when we had the chance and they slowly climbed back into the game. #11 for Southern Vance is a great player. He is one of if not the top scorers in our conference and I definitely see why. Gray Draper did a very good job marking him. I am proud of how he stepped up tonight. Thomas Merritt made save after save including one with 3 seconds left in the final 10 minute overtime. Southern Vance's goal keeper did a great job as well. We had a lot of point blank shots that we didn't finish. Carson Neal getting 4 goals including the game winning penalty kick- keeping his made PK streak going- was one of the biggest moments of his career so far. Emerson Escobar worked extremely hard and took a physical beating while doing so, but continued to create scoring chances. I am proud of how this group has continued to battle back and win games. That's how this group of kids has turned last year's 5-15 season into a 13-2 season so far. These players care about each other, have a lot of heart and will to win."