Three weeks ago, Northern Durham handily defeated Cedar Ridge 4-1 at Ken Browning Stadium. On Wednesday night, the Red Wolves responded with an inspired effort with a 1-0 win in Hillsborough. Senior goalkeeper Erik Galunas made seven saves, six in the second half, to earn the clean sheet as the Red Wolves won its final game before its Big 7 Conference opener. Junior Ben Stephenson, playing his first varsity season, scored the game’s only goal in the 25th minute. It was Stephenson’s second goal. Last week, Stephenson scored his first varsity goal on a penalty kick in a 4-0 win over Eastern Alamance. Galunas, in his third year as starting goalkeeper, earned his third clean sheet of the season. In the season opener against Southern Alamance, Galunas endured heavy humidity and soggy grounds to earn a 1-0 win over the Patriots. Galunas made three saves as the Red Wolves won its first game under new head coach Emiliano Chirigliano. Cedar Ridge will prepare for its first game against Orange next week at Panther Soccer Field. Cedar Ridge is looking to beat their crosstown rival for the first time since September 13, 2023. It will be the first match in the two legs of the Rosewood Wealth Management Cup, a new annual trophy that will go to the winner of the Hillsborough Derby after the second meeting at Red Wolves Stadium on October 8.
