Soccer on the Sandbar
Ocracoke has officially become home to soccer moms. And dads. And lots of cheering fans, who don't even have offspring on the field, all of whom are discovering the joys of watching the beautiful game on Ocracoke's beautiful field.
"The bleachers are full, people are bringing their own chairs, and people are standing from one end of the field to the other," said Coach Mary McKnight as she described Monday's home game, the third match of the season. "The support has been amazing from the community and from the Community Park." Mary also commends her official assistant coach, William Boyd, and her awesome volunteer helper Corey Cutright. Other great volunteers include Nina Bierlein, Brooke Doane, and Christian from the Back Porch.
Last year, there was a varsity soccer team – Ocracoke's first ever – but they didn't play a full season (just four games) and never hosted at home. They also never scored a goal, but they had fun and learned to love the game, so that's what counts. (You can read about that team, and Mary's soccer background here.)
"We didn't play Manteo last year," Mary said. "They're a seasoned team, they start early and play non-conference games, and take it seriously." Manteo, it seems, is the team to beat in the Coastal 10 conference.
Mary's optimistic about today's game against Ocracoke's arch-rivals. "We played Hatteras twice last year, and lost 8-0 the first time, and 4-0 the second time. They've already lost to Camden this year, so we could be competitive."
There are sixteen boys and one girl playing for the Dolphins this year. Of the three seniors, only Jordi Perez is a returning player. Seniors Kyle Tillett and Spencer Gaskins are new to the sport. "Kyle's a great addition to the team, he's a playmaker," Mary Said. "He's got natural athletic ability. Spencer's our left back defender and has really added to our defense with his powerful left foot kick."
Mary's focus is on defense, though she adds, "We've also got to get some balls into the [other team's] net." The Dolphins' defensive players are working on protecting their goalie, Liam Caswell.
"He's brand new to the team, and I don't know what I'd do without him," Mary said. "Yesterday he made some incredible saves that could be on ESPN." Start filming with your cellphones, Dolphins fans, you could go viral.
Mary spoke more about the beauty of Ocracoke's own soccer field. "Having a field like this, that's taken care of so well makes for a great game for everybody. Danny [Worsley] has done an amazing job with it. When I introduced myself to the Camden coach, he said 'This is awesome, this field is incredible.' Some of our fans overheard kids from the other teams talking about how nice our field is."
One coach asked her about Ocracoke's unique system of ball retrieval. When soccer balls (or baseballs) go over the fence at the Community Park, they disappear into the marsh. Local kids happily scramble into the mud and muck because the one who brings back the stray ball gets a $1 credit at the concession stand. Ocracoke Youth Center board member Bob Toth does the cooking (hot dogs and hamburgers) and there's also highly-popular candy and sodas.
"During practice, the players have to go after their own balls in the marsh, so it encourages them to aim better," Mary said with a smile. "The setting out here adds to the fun. One of the refs told me he can't imagine a better day than a soccer game on Ocracoke."
How about a soccer game on Ocracoke with the Dolphins' scoring at home for the first time ever?
That could be today – don't miss it!
UPDATE: The final score of Wednesday's game against the Hatteras Hurricanes was a 5-2 victory for Hatteras. Congrats to the Dolphins for their FIRST TWO at-home goals! Here's to many more!
