It’s the end of the road for the Hobbton men’s soccer team. The Wildcats lost Thursday night in the third round of playoffs to the Mariners of East Carteret.
Going into the second half of the game, the score was tied 1-1, but after scoring back-to-back goals, the Mariners took the 3-1 win. The Wildcats finished the season 14-7-1 overall and 10-2 in the Carolina Conference.
After the game, Hobbton Coach Jonathon Jacobs said the Wildcats possessed the ball almost 70 percent of the game and had multiple shots to score, but just couldn’t execute.
The loss, Jacobs added, was very tough on the coaches and players.
“I think the better team tonight lost,” attested Jacobs. “We were on a nine-game win streak, but we couldn’t get it done.”
According to Jacobs, the team overcame many obstacles throughout the season, finally claiming the Carolina Conference championship. Injuries were part of those obstacles and one of the Wildcat players was unable to play Thursday night because he was pursuing other opportunities with a professional team.
“This is the first time in five years that the Wildcats won a conference championship,” added Jacobs. “I can’t say enough about the guys and the effort they have put into the game and I’m extremely proud of them.”