ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, July 21, 1996 TAG: 9607220076
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Staff report
Patrick McSorley scored three goals and Jeff Johnson and Gary Ricketts added two each as the Roanoke RiverDawgs crushed the Jersey Dragons 12-0 on Saturday night in a United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues game at Cave Spring Junior High School.
Ian Spooner contributed one goal and three assists and McSorley and Johnson each had one assist for the RiverDawgs, who outshot Jersey 25-2.
The victory moved Roanoke (8-3) past Jackson (Miss.) and into first place in the Premier League's Northern Division. The 'Dawgs can clinch first place with a victory on their three-game trip to Florida that begins Friday. Roanoke faces the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Friday night, the Miami Tango on July 27 and the Orlando Lions on July 28.
Aaron Ewert (two saves) and Drew Burwash (none) combined on their second shutout of the weekend, coming on the heels of a 1-0 victory over Wilmington (N.C.) on Friday night.
``We were happy with this game because it gives us the points to move ahead in the division,'' said Roanoke's Nathan Fairchild, ``and after a hard game like last night, it's good to get the early goals.''
``We wanted to win this game knowing that the next two Premier [League] games are very important,'' McSorley said. ``Now it's easier going down to Florida for the long road trip knowing that we only need to win one game'' to clinch the title.
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