HOPE MILLS — Things didn’t get off to a good start for the Richmond Senior soccer team.

South View got onto the scoreboard first in the opening 10 minutes of the contest. That deficit lit a fire under Richmond, particularly Manuel Zapata.

The junior midfielder scored three straight goals to lead the Raiders past the Tigers 5-3 Monday night in the opener for both teams.

Zapata scored on a free kick, a penalty kick and also netted a goal during play. Carlos Alcocer also scored in the first half to give Richmond a 4-1 lead at halftime.

South View rallied in the second half to pull within one goal at 4-3 before Zapata assisted on a Brandon Morse goal to ice the game.

“I’m proud of the guys for not getting down on themselves,” Richmond coach Bennie Howard said. “I am a little disappointed in the first 15 minutes of the second half when we lost the intensity.”

Richmond’s home opener was scheduled for Wednesday night against North Moore, but school officials pushed the contest back to Sept. 8.

Richmond athletic director Ricky Young said the new soccer field could have been ready Wednesday, but allowing workers a few extra days “is a better timeline for everyone.”

The first home game is now set for 7 p.m. Aug. 26 against Pine Forest.

In the junior varsity contest, Richmond defeated South View 1-0 on an own goal.

Volleyball set to open

ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond Senior volleyball team will open its season today at home against West Montgomery.

The junior varsity game is scheduled for 5 p.m. with the varsity contest expected to begin around 6 p.m.

Reach managing editor Shawn Stinson at 910-817-2671 and follow him on Twitter @scgolfer.

Bennie Howard
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Bennie-Howard1.jpgBennie Howard

By Shawn Stinson

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