By LESLEY GRAHAM
The Ocean City High School boys soccer program continued its winning ways Tuesday afternoon, defeating visiting Wildwood Catholic, 9-0.
This was the second meeting between the two teams this season, both won by Ocean City. The Red Raiders are now in the back half of the season. The win improves Ocean City to 5-0, while Wildwood Catholic drops to 1-4.
All nine scores were tallied by different Red Raider players, showcasing their depth of offensive firepower. All but one of the goals was assisted on the afternoon as well, highlighting the unselfish play that took center stage Tuesday.
Two Red Raiders led the way with a goal and two assists – Reed Lindsay and Ben Steiger. Teammate Armando Martinez added three assists.
Ocean City dominated the majority of the possession time, limiting the shot opportunities for the Crusaders.
“It was a good team win today,” Ocean City head coach Aaron Bogushefsky said.
The field conditions were less than ideal, with players slipping in the mud and the ball seemingly struggling to find the feet of both teams. But the Red Raiders did not let that stop them. They stepped up their communication and continued to find the opportunity to make plays.
Ocean City was also able to utilize a lot of its bench, making the win a total team effort.
“It’s good to see a lot of the new guys get more time, having the opportunity to prove themselves,” Bogushefsky said.
The Red Raiders have a short turnaround, with a makeup game scheduled for Thursday against Lower Cape May.
“We are really looking to keep it rolling. The short turnaround time is more reminiscent of a normal season where you play three times a week, so this is a good challenge,” Bogushefsky noted of the coronavirus-shortened schedule this year.
The Red Raiders are prepared to take on the challenges that still face them this season, he added.
“No matter who we play or when, we have to be able to step up to any challenge that comes our way,” Bogushefsky said.
