Warhorses return to winning ways

Owen keeps a clean sheet in 3-0 victory over Newton-Conover

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 5, 2023

The Warhorses moved back into the win column, Sept. 5, improving to 4-1 in a hard-fought home victory over Newton-Conover.

Owen got a goal and an assist from junior forward Spencer Wooley and goals from senior Elijah Caro and junior Mylo Morgan, while the defense and goalkeeper James Centers kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 win. 

One game removed from their first loss in 20 games, the Warhorses hosted the reigning Catawba Valley Athletic Conference champions, who advanced to the fourth round of the NCHSAA 2A playoffs in 2022. The physical Red Devils pressured their opponent early in the match.

Owen responded by methodically building its offensive attack from the back of its formation, before Wooley found Morgan for a goal in the 19th minute of play to give his team the lead. The opponents traded possessions throughout the first half of a match that featured multiple yellow cards and a red card for Warhorse senior Daniel Garcia.

Owen head coach Trei Morrrison and his team, however, did not relent.

“Newton-Conover is a really good team, and I don’t really like the physicality and sliding, but when they had the ball they were dangerous,” he said. “I know we got 3 goals, but I thought our defense was great. We kind of found that gritty side of ourselves, and defended as a team.”

The Warhorses came into the second half with a hard-charging attack, as Wooley recorded his goal in the 20th minute. The final score came off the foot of Caro.

The victory marked a quick rebound for Owen, which saw its 20-game winning streak snapped in its last match against T.C. Roberson.

“I was very proud of our guys tonight,” Morrison said. “We had the mental fortitude to come in here and play a tough game against a tough team.”

The Warhorses, who have given up 1 goal in five matches this season, will open their Western Highlands Conference season at home, Wednesday, Sept. 6, when they host Draughn at 7 p.m. Owen did not allow a single goal against a conference opponent last season.

“I told the guys to go home and get rested up tonight,” Morrison said. “We had a great season last year, and the target on our back in conference play is going to be even bigger. So they’re coming after us with everything they have, and we can’t afford to take any opponent lightly.”

Photos of the Owen victory over Newton-Conover can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.