Soccer Game Preview: Patrick County vs. James River

Patrick County hasn't had much luck against James River recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Cougars will look to defend their home pitch against the Knights at 7:00 p.m. Patrick County has given up an average of 2.8 goals per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Patrick County is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to eight goals on Thursday, they were much more limited against Glenvar on Monday. They lost 8-0 to the Highlanders. While losing is never fun, Patrick County can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Virginia soccer rankings (they are ranked 196th, while Glenvar are ranked 25th).

Meanwhile, James River kept a clean sheet against Martinsville on Wednesday. They were the clear victors by a 7-0 margin over the Bulldogs. The result was nothing new for James River, who have now won five matchups by three goals or more so far this season.

Patrick County's defeat dropped their record down to 7-5-3. As for James River, they now have a winning record of 8-7.