Ramirez-Cruz hat trick lifts Goldsboro past Sallie B Howard

GOLDSBORO — In the first recorded meeting between the programs, Goldsboro answered a recent loss with a 4-1 win over Sallie B Howard in a weather-shortened soccer match.

The Cougars took control early, building a 4-0 lead by halftime. Goldsboro scored its four goals on seven attempts and held 55 percent of possession, while Sallie B Howard finished with three shots on goal.

Aiden Ramirez-Cruz led Goldsboro with three goals, and Yoshi Perez added one. Ramirez-Cruz has scored nine goals over the last three games.

Sallie B Howard scored after halftime before the match was shortened because of weather.

Goldsboro, which entered the match 2-3 after a 6-3 loss to Eastern Wayne on Tuesday, hosts South Lenoir on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Sallie B Howard, which entered 0-2 after a 9-0 loss to Cary Academy, travels to Southwest Edgecombe on Wednesday, Sept. 2.