CCBC Essex Men’s Soccer Dominates Second Half in 8-2 Victory Over Cecil College

 Written by: Michael Loman

Essex, MD- In a dominating display, the CCBC Essex men's soccer team secured an 8-2 victory over Cecil College on September 24, 2024, at North East, Maryland. Despite a competitive first half, CCBC Essex pulled away with an impressive seven goals in the second half. The match opened with Cecil College taking an early lead through Izak Battle Jr. with an assist from Ronaldo King in the 14th minute, but Essex responded quickly when Bartu Yakkan scored an unassisted goal just minutes later. Cecil briefly reclaimed the lead with a goal by Bent Althoff, but the momentum shifted as Essex came alive after halftime.

Key to Essex's win was their relentless attack, registering 33 shots overall, with 19 of them on target, for a shooting accuracy of 58%. In contrast, Cecil managed 10 shots, four on goal. Essex's pressure led to eight corner kicks, giving them multiple scoring opportunities. Essex's attack was spearheaded by standout players like Yakkan, who contributed with two goals, and Philippe Oliveira, who added two late goals, showcasing the team's depth and offensive skill.

Aidan Hidassy was another crucial player for Essex, scoring twice and assisting on Yakkan's second goal. His movement and positioning kept Cecil's defense on the back foot throughout the match. Essex's ability to find creative ways to break down Cecil's defensive line was highlighted by the multiple assists, including a vital one from Angel Vargas-Hernand.

On the defensive end, Essex's goalkeeper Antony Gaitan made two critical saves, helping maintain the lead after Cecil's early goals. The game's physical nature was evident, with a total of 25 fouls and multiple yellow cards issued.

As the CCBC Essex Knights improve their record to 7-2-0, players like Yakkan, Oliveira, and Hidassy continue to be pivotal in pursuing further success this season. With such commanding performances, CCBC Essex remains a team to watch as they seek to extend their unbeaten streak in conference play.