Hayesville Beats Albemarle 4-2 for Record Win

(Photo by Travis Dockery)

Freshman Brady Mendoza tracks down a pass just in time to keep it from a Bulldog defender.

Hayesville scored early and late Monday, beating Albemarle 4-2 in the first round of the NCHSAA 2A West boys soccer playoffs at Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium — a record-setting win in the final event held at the stadium before the installation of new turf.

The victory was the Yellow Jackets' 13th of the season, breaking the program's single-season wins record of 12 set in the fall of 2017. Hayesville (13-5) has won six straight matches.

Hayesville opened the scoring at the 30-minute mark of the first half, then doubled the lead when Adiel Hernandez converted a penalty kick with 21:26 left in the half to make it 2-0.

Albemarle (3-14-1) cut into the lead with a goal with 37:19 left in the second half, but Josue Salas answered for Hayesville with 30:50 remaining to restore the two-goal margin at 3-1.

The Bulldogs made the score 3-2 with 4:06 left, setting up a tense finish, but Hayesville sealed it with a goal with just 58.2 seconds remaining.

Hayesville advances to the second round Thursday, Nov. 5, traveling to No. 8 Bradford Prep for a 6 p.m. kickoff.