Flashes use first-half goals to secure home victory over St. Augustine

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The St. Aloysius boys soccer team picked up a hard-fought 2-1 victory over St. Augustine on Saturday morning at home, using first-half goals and a strong defensive belief to hold off an early setback.

St. Augustine struck within the opening five minutes after capitalizing on a miscue while St. Aloysius attempted to play the ball out of the back. The Flashes quickly settled in, however, responding with two goals in the first half to take control of the match.

Center back Sam Ashley netted the equalizer to spark the comeback, and midfielder Davis Burroughs followed with the go-ahead goal later in the half, giving St. Aloysius a 2-1 advantage it would not relinquish.

Goalkeeper Holden Davidson turned in a standout performance in net, finishing with six saves and several key plays coming off his line to break up scoring chances. Davidson was named Player of the Match for his efforts.

Baldizon also credited his back line for its response after early mistakes.

“Our defensive group adjusted really well after a few early miscues,” Baldizon said. “They stayed organized, communicated, and limited St. Augustine’s chances the rest of the way.”

The Flashes’ midfield played a key role on both ends of the field, consistently pushing the ball forward while tracking back defensively.

“Our midfield worked extremely hard today,” Head Coach Gio Baldizon said. “They kept us moving forward in attack and were disciplined getting back to help defensively.”

With district play approaching in January, Baldizon believes the team’s recent competition has helped prepare the Flashes for what lies ahead.

St. Aloysius will open district play on Jan. 5 at home, with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m.