An evenly spread offensive attack combined with a dominating performance from the Badgers’ young defense earned Arkadelphia a 6-0 win Friday in Maumelle over Academics Plus.
Sophomore Badger sweeper Sammy Rodriguez led the defense in holding Academics to no close attempts on the Arkadelphia goal while Badger sophomore Camden Dwelle stood out on the left wing as the go-to midfielder for moving the ball upfield Friday.
Offensively, Arkadelphia benefitted from goals from multiple players. The Badgers’ first goal came within the opening minutes of the first off of a shot from Badger Junior Justin Smith. Dwelle fed a through-ball to senior Dewayne Harvell who finished the breakaway with the second goal at the 12 minute mark. Badger Stephen Rothwell made the game 3-0 at the 25 minute mark in the first half with a well touched shot placed between the keeper and the near post. Two minutes later, Badger Freshman Grayson Henley added the fourth goal and Jeyson Cabellero ended the 5-0 first half run for the Badgers.
Despite the second half tempo being controlled entirely by Arkadelphia, only one more goal was added to the score. Late in the second half, Rodriguez broke through the Academics Plus midfield with the ball before the goalkeeper charged and stopped him at the top of the box. The ball broke free but Harvell was near by. He sent a quick shot low and right before the keeper could get back into position.
The Badgers face Lutheran Thursday and Central Arkansas Christian Friday. Both games are on the road. Arkadelphia will take the field Thursday at 5 p.m. and Friday at 6 p.m.
