CARY – Two of the state’s top teams did battle here Tuesday afternoon.

Following a hard-fought matchup, the 2-A Cary Christian, ranked second in the latest North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association poll, edged Ridgecroft 2-1.

“It was a very nice match from a spectator’s standpoint,” Ridgecroft Head Coach Aron Martin said. “It was zero-all at the half and we both just played hard the entire match.”

Cary Christian broke the stalemate with a goal early in the second half, but Ridgecroft answered thanks to a Ryan Beggs goal in less than 10 minutes.

With the Rams pushing late, Cary Christian was able to get a break-away goal that was the deciding score.

“Both teams came away with tremendous respect for one another,” Martin said. “I am pleased with the heart and resilience I got from my guys.

“It was our toughest test yet and we may not have won, but I think we passed it,” he added.

Martin was particularly pleased with the play of Max Boone, Aaron Rock, Michael Byrum and Drey Chrysostomou.

The loss drops Ridgecroft to 6-1 this season as they prepare for Monday’s home match with Faith Christian School.