Freedom boys soccer makes it nine straight wins with victory over East Ridge -- Observer Preps

ORLANDO The Freedom High boys soccer team defeated the visiting East Ridge Knights 3-1 Thursday night, marking the Patriots' ninth consecutive victory.

Since a 1-0 loss to Boone Dec. 1, Freedom (16-3) has been on a roll, outscoring opponents 43-3 in a stretch of games that included quality opponents such as Winter Park.

After defeating the Knights, Patriots head coach Mark Higdon recalled his team's last defeat — which happened more than a month ago — and said it was a catalyst for its current success.

"(That loss) was a wake-up call for us," Higdon said. "We've finally got a starting-11 that clicks."

Although Freedom's scoring output over the past nine games has been impressive — the Patriots are averaging 4.8 goals per game during the stretch — its defense has also shined. Freedom has allowed just three goals in the past nine games and, on the whole, the team has allowed more than two goals in a game just once this season — during a 3-0 loss to Bishop Moore back in November.

"We found the back-four during that Boone game, and we've been riding that ever since," Higdon said. "They're playing well together. My back-five is unstoppable — and I'll put them against everybody."

Freedom will look to extend its streak once more Jan. 10 on the road against Timber Creek.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].