By Eric Lusk
Sports Editor
elusk@elkintribune.com

EAST BEND — Forbush officially clinched its second straight Mountain Valley 2A girls soccer championship last week, beating two of its nearest challengers on back-to-back nights.

The Falcons rallied past Wilkes Central 3-1 on Thursday, then topped Ashe County on the road by a 2-1 score Friday.

The wins lifted Forbush to 10-0-0 in the conference standings, 15-3-1 overall. The Falcons then added to their “W” tally Tuesday night, blanking North Wilkes 5-0 at home.

With one conference game to play — at Starmount tonight (Thursday) — Forbush leads Wilkes Central by two games. The last time a Falcons team lost a conference contest was 2006 when they finished second in the league behind Wilkes Central.

The victory against Wilkes Central was the biggest of Forbush’s recent matches. The Eagles struck first last Thursday. Sabrina Ashley got loose behind the Falcons defense on a breakaway 14 minutes into the match. Her rifle shot from the right side went to the far post and past keeper Kayla Adams.

But it didn’t take long for Forbush to provide an answer. Sophomore forward Jessica Baity was taken down inside the penalty box four minutes later and converted a PK shot to make it a 1-1 game.

The Falcons took a 2-1 lead into halftime after a header goal by Katelynd Caudle at the 35:12 mark. The ball was crossed into the middle of the field, and Caudle’s header was a rainbow that sailed high into the back of the net.

Baity scored again early in the second half for the final margin.

The Falcons outshot Wilkes Central 12-4. Adams made three saves.

“The goal we conceded was pretty soft, so we responded out of agitation more than anything,” Forbush coach Kenan James said. “Wilkes Central played well and we had to work hard for the win.”

The Forbush coach praised two of his forwards for their inspired play in this all-important game.

“Katelynd Caudle and Leticia Patino willed us to the victory,” James said. “No one outworks those two night in and night out. Kayla Adams made a huge save to keep it 3-1 in the end. I felt like our second half was strong and we settled down and played Forbush soccer.”

The Falcons gave up the first goal again Friday at Ashe County. Perla Reyes-Becerra netted a shot for the Huskies five minutes in. But again, Forbush was quick to respond. Caudle scored four minutes later.

Lindsey Lineberry added the second goal at the 39-minute mark, assisted by Caudle.

Forbush outshot Ashe 31-5 but couldn’t get anything else into the net. Christina Cole made 12 saves for the Huskies. Adams had two for the Falcons.

“Ashe County ... played well throughout,” James said. “Their goal-keeper had a career game. Again, Caudle came to play. She equalized shortly after the Ashe County goal and assisted the game-winner by flicking the ball with her head to Lineberry, who placed it in the side net.”

Heather Lindsey, Tara Baity, Lindsey Lineberry, Bailey Stinson and Patino all scored in Tuesday’s win over North Wilkes. Jessica Baity and Patino each had an assist.

Heather Lindsay’s goal came one minute into the match. Forbush led 3-0 at halftime and outshot the Vikings 28-0 for the game.

The state soccer playoffs begin May 13. But Forbush (16-3-1 overall) will have a bye from first-round action due to winning the Mountain Valley. The Falcons will host a second-round game Saturday, May 16, opponent TBD.

Last spring, Forbush advanced to the state championship game before losing to First Flight 2-1. The Falcons are currently ranked No. 5 in Class 2A.