Read’s heroics propel Demons

WASHINGTON — The Burlington boys soccer team launched 20 shots on goal at Washington goalkeeper Kaden Read on Thursday night, but not one of them found the back of the net.

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The Demon senior stood on his head in net, saving 17 shots and leading Washington to a 1-0 Southeast Conference win, despite getting outshot by an incredible margin of 20-4.

“It was hectic,” Read said after the win. “I had a hard enough time just keeping track of the ball.”

The Grayhounds peppered Read with shots all game long, but especially in the second half. After a scoreless first 40 minutes, it seemed as if it would be Burlington that would come through with a goal, but Read never let the ball get past the line.

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“When we saw him coming to open gyms this summer, we got pretty excited to have him come join the team,” Washington coach Sally Hart said about her first-year senior. “For getting his first varsity looks, he’s just been outstanding.”

Read’s huge game comes in his first ever conference contest. He says he owes a lot of it to the success of the Demon defense, who had to play on their toes all night.

“When it comes down to it, they’re always going to be there,” Read said. “They’re always going to be the help I need.”

Despite the play of the Defense, the Demons couldn’t seem to get any quality shots off, that is until a rush down the right sideline led to an open look by junior standout Edwin Cortes.

Cortes found some space on the left side of the goal and teammate Nery Salazar sent a perfectly-placed cross pass into the box. Cortes nailed a shot off the bottom of the crossbar with 17:23 remaining on the clock.

Cortes had two of the four shots on goal for the Demons. Ben Kronlage and Ivan Rangel had one apiece.

Washington was 0-3 heading into the game but is now 1-3 overall, and 1-0 in Southeast Conference play heading into a rivalry showdown in Mt. Pleasant this Monday night.