Crusader Soccer Finds Their Stride

The Robert Toombs Christian Academy soccer programs built some wellearned momentum heading into their spring break, highlighted by a home sweep over Covenant Academy on Monday and a dominant follow-up victory for the Lady Crusaders on Tuesday. It was exactly the kind of week a program wants to put together before an extended rest.

Girls vs. Covenant

The RTCA girls showed both grit and firepower during their backto- back matchups. On Monday against Covenant, it was a tight, physical contest from the opening whistle. Kailen Brantley found the back of the net in the first half, sending the game to the break knotted at a goal apiece.

Brantley delivered again when it mattered, striking in the second half to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Lady Rams.

Girls vs. Windsor

The Lady Crusaders carried that confidence right into Tuesday’s home game against Windsor Academy. The defense locked in to pitch a shutout, while the offense did a great job of sharing the ball.

Brantley stayed hot with another goal, joined on the stat sheet by Maggie Bowers, Alayna Wimpey, and Mattie Grace Palma. The offense turned a 2-0 halftime lead into a comfortable 4-0 final. The consecutive wins bump the girls to a solid 4-2 overall and 4-2 in region play.

Boys vs. Covenant

For the boys, Monday's matchup against the Rams was simply an offensive clinic. The Crusaders established control early and never let Covenant find a foothold, netting three goals in each half to cruise to a 6-2 win.

Hayden Meeks led the charge for RTCA, putting together a stellar performance to secure a hat trick. The offense was balanced out by Blake Durden, Boss Franklin, and Grayson Smesny, who each chipped in with a goal of their own.

The defense bent but didn't break, allowing just a single Covenant goal in each half. The muchneeded victory moves the boys' squad to 2-3 overall and 2-3 in the region, keeping them right in the thick of things.

Both squads will now have a chance to rest their legs and nurse any lingering bumps and bruises over the spring break. The Crusaders will be back in action on the pitch next week to resume region play.