Laieke Abebe: Greene Central hosts Washington with conference title on the line

The most highly anticipated boys soccer match in the Neuse News coverage area this year (in my opinion) is officially set.

Greene Central will host Washington for the outright Eastern Carolina 2A conference championship on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Snow Hill. Last season, Greene Central and Washington shared the title and a coin flip decided the playoff seeding for both teams. Although both teams will make the NCHSAA 2A state playoffs, there will be only one conference champion in 2019.

North Lenoir goalie Orlando Gallardo clears the ball during the Hawks’ game against Greene Central last month. Photo by Laieke Abebe / Neuse News

This game was officially set after both teams took care of business in their respective games on Monday. While the Pam Pack knocked off West Craven 9-0, the Rams (18-2, 10-1 ECC) took down Ayden-Grifton 10-1. 

Junior forward Alan Rubio is Greene Central’s leading goalscorer with 36 goals, but he didn’t get one yesterday. However, Rams head coach Matt Gnau had six different goal scorers in their win over the Chargers.

Chris Rivera, Daniel Roman, and Eduardo Nunez each scored two goals while Felipe Hinojosa had four assists. Senior midfielder Ulises Mora had a goal and an assist to bring his total to 18 goals and a team-leading 18 assists this season.

The Rams have not lost a game since losing their conference opener in a penalty shootout against North Lenoir on September 16th. Since then, they’re on a 13-match winning streak and they’ve outscored their opponents 99-14 in that span. This includes a 5-3 road win over the Pam Pack in their first matchup on October 7th.

For Washington (14-2-2, 10-1), they’re on a five-game winning streak and have outscored their opponents 105-18 this season. They’re led by midfielders Dawson Cox and Elvin Elizalde, forward Michael Reid, and goalkeeper Will Crisp.

The last time Greene Central won an outright conference title in boys soccer was 2014. On senior night in Snow Hill, either the Rams will be on top of the mountain or the Pam Pack will spoil the party. Nonetheless, I’m excited for what should be an excellent matchup between the top two teams in the Eastern Carolina 2A conference.