Mark Pruitt, reporter
WELCOME โ The North Davidson girls soccer team hopes to continue its historic success in the NCHSAA 3-A state tournament when it plays Belmont South Pointe at home on Tuesday night for a spot in the 3-A state championship game.
The Black Knights (21-2) won their fourth consecutive Mid-Piedmont 3A Conference championship this season thanks to a thriving offense averaging 5.4 goals per game, a solid defense that allowed just 14 goals all season, a spirited mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen making it all work and a coach who has rebuilt the team in his four seasons at the helm.
The first conference title won by the 2021 team was the first in school history. The 2022 team did not allow a goal in conference play. This year's team was undefeated in conference play.
North Davidson's only losses this season came against 4-A schools West Forsyth (2-0) and Weddington (4-0).
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The Black Knights are coming off a spectacular win against Trinity Wheatmore on March 11. The team played in the 2-A state championship game last season and is still in the running in this year's 2-A state tournament, where they are scheduled to play again Tuesday night.
North Davidson has won 10 straight games since an April 23 loss to West Forsyth, including playoff victories over Forestview (1-0), Asheville Reynolds (2-1) and Lake Norman Charter (1-0).
“We're still a pretty young team,” coach Jose Duarte said, “we have four seniors and seven underclassmen starting; six sophomores and one freshman. Three potential starters were out all season with injuries. Having a strong senior class and underclassmen who followed coach's instructions, had great attitudes and worked hard was very important to our team chemistry. It shows the future is bright.”
Senior twin sisters Kieran Moore (29 goals, 10 assists) and Kyndall Moore (18 goals, 12 assists) have provided plenty of offensive firepower for the Black Knights this season.
Senior Reece Sullivan was third on the team with 12 goals and led the team with 20 assists, while senior Chelsea Prescott added seven goals and 10 assists.
“They're our captains and all four of them are like Swiss Army knives,” Duarte said. “They can play anywhere I ask them to. They set a great example for everybody on and off the field.”
Both the Moore sisters and Sullivan have played on varsity all four years, while Prescott played three seasons on varsity after spending his first year on the JV team.
Only three players on the Black Knights roster also play club soccer.
“We don't have as many club players as most other teams, especially the bigger schools,” Sullivan said. “We definitely have a different style of play than other teams we've played in the playoffs. Our biggest trait is how hard we try. I think our effort is second to none and that's what's gotten us this far. What we lack in skill we make up for in hard work.”
Kieran Moore is two minutes older than his sister Kyndal. The two have been playing soccer together since they were six years old, and they both agree that their familiarity with one another gives them an advantage on the field.
“We definitely understand each other when we're on the court,” Kyndall Moore said, “I'm a midfielder and she's a striker. We're right there with each other and we know where to give the ball.”
They have also enjoyed shared experiences over the past four years.
“We're cherishing every moment because time flies and you don't realize it until the end, especially when you get this far in the playoffs,” Kieran Moore said. “It makes it a lot easier when we have each other's backs.”
Prescott said a big part of his success the past three seasons on the varsity team was the trust everyone had in each other and their coaches.
“We're all stronger because of our coach,” Prescott said. “He believed in us and pushed us to get to where we are now. We all trust each other.”
Duarte said he preaches to his team to be consistent in the little things.
“That means sticking to the fundamentals, playing football the right way and being consistent with our adjustments, which was very important for us during the playoffs,” Duarte said. “That includes personnel adjustments and tactical adjustments. We are a strong defensive team. We can break defensive shapes quickly and attack with numbers and speed.”
Coach Duarte praised the efforts of sophomore keeper Kelsey Wren, sophomore right back Abigail Mueser, sophomore center back Lily Sullivan and sophomore Charlotte Sullivan, a midfielder and Lily's twin sister.
Freshmen Madison Beck, Blakely Powers and Emily Bauer also played key roles.
“We really got leadership from everybody,” Duarte said. “I always tell them that the seniors are blessed to have this group of underclassmen and the underclassmen are blessed to have a group of seniors that they can look up to. This group of girls work hard. They're coachable. And I told them at the beginning of the season that good teams are led by coaches and great teams are led by players and coaches. We have a strong group of girls that hold each other accountable, but most importantly, they hold each other accountable.”
Reece Sullivan said the win over Wheatmore was a testament to what his team is capable of.
“Going into the game we all knew what to expect,” Sullivan said, “Winning just boosted everybody's confidence. I think it showed everybody that this is what we're capable of if we work hard.”
South Pointe eliminated North Davidson in the playoffs two years ago, and Duarte said that will provide extra motivation.
“We knew we could get here,” Duarte said. “I told the girls we are here and we deserve to be here. One of our mottos this season is TEDD, which stands for toughness, effort, discipline and dedication, and they've played like that all season. It feels great that we're still in the playoffs and Davidson County is still in it. I want everyone to be proud of North Davidson. I want to make the school, the community and Davidson County proud.”