Grace Soccer Advances To VACA Semifinals

STAUNTON – Grace Christian School blanked Faith Christian 3-0 on Tuesday in the quarterfinals of the VACA Boys Soccer State Tournament.

Quarterfinal contests can often turn one-sided, but the Faith Warriors provided a solid opponent for Grace.

“This Faith team played really well against some other competition so I was really worried we might have a little letdown,” said Grace Christian head coach Mike Mallory. “Typically, our quarterfinal games are not real competitive, but this was a good Faith team.”

Grace jumped ahead in the opening minutes when Micah Erdman weaved through the Faith defense and then beat the keeper one-on-one for a quick 1-0 lead. 

“That early goal relieved a lot of pressure. To put one up early really kind of released that pressure and then they played really well together,” added Mallory. 

Grace put the game away with two goals in a five-minute span midway through the first half. Aiden Weaber took a shot from the left side from 15 yards out and beat the keeper to the near post for a 2-0 lead. 

“When we got the second goal, I knew we were in pretty good shape.” said Mallory.

The home team scored again moments later when Micah Erdman took an assist from Caleb Erdman to score his second goal, giving Grace a 3-0 lead. The Warriors recorded the shutout with solid defensive play in the second half.

“Our defense has had to really adjust with some injuries early. We’ve had to fill in some gaps with some guys who typically don’t play defense. They’ve really stepped up and that’s been good to see,” Mallory said.

The Warriors advance to the semifinals on Friday. Grace will play Westover Christian, a 2-0 winner over Timberlake Christian in quarterfinal action.

The semifinals and championship game will be played in Axton, Va., at the Smith River Sports Complex.