The Roanoke Rapids men's soccer team opened their 2016 season on the road with a win Thursday night.
The Yellow Jackets traveled to the Louisburg Warriors with a one hour delay Thursday night due to the heat and earned their season opener win beating Louisburg 4-3.
Carson Neal's 3 goals hat trick along with Emerson Escobar's goal were enough with assists by Emerson Escobar,Thomas Merritt and Markus Chappell.
Thomas Merritt played in goal with 8 saves and RRHS Out-shot Louisburg 23-13.
Roanoke Rapids High School head coach Craig Jean post match comments, "We desperately needed to start the season 1-0. This was a big game for us to boost our confidence. For our first game, I am extremely pleased with how we looked. We had very good stretches of possession. Emerson Escobar stepped up big for us, putting away a set piece from 25 yards out with 2 minutes left in the game. We had 3 big mistakes and they capitalized on 2 of them. If you take those mistakes away, it wouldn't have been a close game - and this was a very solid Louisburg team. I am very proud of how my team responded, it shows how they have matured since last year. I am excited for this group and this season."
Roanoke Rapids host Hertford County in a non-conference match Monday August 22nd at Hoyle field with a 6 PM start time.