Knights Rally Past Fork Union for Statement 10-8 Victory

A balanced offensive effort and strong defensive finish helped CCBC Essex earn a statement 10-8 victory over Fork Union Military Academy on Wednesday, improving the Knights to 5-1 on the season.

Facing a Fork Union squad that entered the matchup with a 21-5 record, CCBC Essex used a dominant second quarter and clutch late-game execution to secure the win. After the teams were tied 2-2 following the opening quarter, the Knights erupted for five goals in the second to take control heading into halftime.

Sophomore standout Peyton Moritzen (Manheim Township, PA) led the offensive charge with a game-high three goals and one assist while firing eight shots, including five on goal. Luke Wojtech (Fr., Crofton, MD) matched Moritzen with three goals of his own and added three caused turnovers in a strong all-around performance.

Rob Andrews (Soph., Towson, MD) also delivered a productive afternoon, scoring twice and adding an assist while putting five shots on goal. Joshua Cruikshank (Soph., Baltimore, MD) and Peyton Stevens (Fr., Baltimore, MD) each added a goal as the Knights finished with 10 total scores on 37 shots.

CCBC Essex showed depth throughout the lineup, recording six assists from six different players. Jacob Bieschke (Soph., Baltimore, MD), Gavin Teitelbaum (Soph., Westminster, MD), Albert Porter (Soph., Brunswick, ME), Jack Deardorff (Fr., York, PA), Moritzen, and Andrews all contributed helpers in the victory.

Defensively, the Knights were anchored by goalkeeper Colin Parker (Soph., Martinsburg, WV), who earned the win after recording 15 saves over 60 minutes of action. Parker and the CCBC Essex defense came up with key stops late, holding Fork Union scoreless in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory.

The Knights also controlled possession through hustle plays, collecting 39 ground balls as Moritzen and Cruikshank each grabbed five. Peyton Stevens added four ground balls, while Max Johnson (Soph., Westminster, MD) contributed four of his own on the defensive end.

CCBC Essex forced 11 caused turnovers in the contest, led by Wojtech's three and multi-turnover performances from Andrews and Ben Klein (Fr., York, PA).

Game Highlights

• Peyton Moritzen: 3 goals, 1 assist, 5 ground balls
• Luke Wojtech: 3 goals, 3 caused turnovers
• Rob Andrews: 2 goals, 1 assist
• Colin Parker: 15 saves in goal
• CCBC Essex outscored Fork Union 7-3 over the second and fourth quarters combined

With contributions across the field and another strong showing against a quality opponent, the Knights continue to build momentum as the season progresses.