In their first game of the month, the Midlothian Trojans faced off against the Cosby Titans at F.W. Poates Stadium in a highly anticipated varsity boys soccer clash between the pair of top thirty teams in the state of Virginia.
As they head into this contest, memories of their previous encounter loomed large as both teams took to the field, with the Trojans seeking redemption after a resounding 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Titans on March 26.
From the onset, Cosby asserted their dominance, controlling possession with ease while appearing to operate at only half their potential. Their offensive fluidity was evident as they orchestrated seamless passing sequences, executed precision long throws, and crafted numerous scoring opportunities, particularly from corner kicks.
Midlothian’s offensive efforts, led by Dylan Brittain Jones, struggled to penetrate Cosby’s stout defense, leaving them chasing the ball for much of the half. Despite their challenges, a moment of brilliance from forward Lance Yeboah saw Midlothian pull one back with a stunning set piece goal from nearly 50 yards out. Although Casey Royle had a chance to equalize, a rare miscue from Cosby’s goalkeeper, his touch faltered, and the Trojans entered halftime trailing 2-1.
With a slim lead, Cosby adopted a conservative approach with the intent on preserving an advantage that could’ve been vanished if it wasn’t handled properly. Accustomed to dominating their opponents, the Titans comfortably controlled the midfield, slowing the pace of the game and managing the clock effectively.
For Midlothian, the second half mirrored the struggles of the first, exacerbated by Cosby’s tightened defense and relentless pressure. Unable to initiate counterattacks or maintain possession in midfield, the Trojans found themselves outmatched and outcoached as the Titans closed out the game with a 3-1 victory.
Despite a valiant effort, the Midlothian Trojans (8-3-1) fell short against the formidable opponent in the Cosby Titans (12-0), highlighting the vast disparity between the two teams. With a record of 3-3-1 against above .500 teams, the Trojans will look to regroup as they face the Huguenot Falcons on May 7. Meanwhile, Cosby’s undefeated streak reaffirms their status as a nationally acclaimed team, with their next challenge against the Monacan Chiefs on May 2.