Rios' hat-trick leads Canes to victory at Woodland

Cartersville's Pedro Ghanem had an assist in Thursday's win at Woodland.

The Cartersville boys soccer team defeated Woodland Thursday night, 6-2. Alex Rios — who now has five goals in his first two games — had a first-half, hat-trick with goals in the tenth, 15th, and 28th minutes. Brady Craig, Pedro Ghanem, and Joel Zazueta were credited with assists on the Rios tallies. “Alex had a great game,” said Cartersville coach D.J. Paradis. “He constantly pressured their defense with quick runs and moved the ball with precision. Every shot he took was on frame.” The Wildcats scored a goal to narrow their deficit to two, but Joan Vargas scored for Cartersville in the 38th minute to restore the Hurricanes’ lead margin at halftime. Craig scored for Cartersville in the 47th minute and Joshua Morales added a goal with a penalty kick.

Woodland scored a late goal for the 6-2 final score.