The Haybaler boys soccer team picked up its first win of the
season Tuesday at Saratoga in a 4-0 contest.
The Balers (1-2) came out firing with a quick goal by senior
Jonathan Alonso followed by another goal from senior Ernesto
Lostanau.
The Haybaler boys soccer team picked up its first win of the season Tuesday at Saratoga in a 4-0 contest.
The Balers (1-2) came out firing with a quick goal by senior Jonathan Alonso followed by another goal from senior Ernesto Lostanau.
The Balers midfield of seniors Jorge Lopez, Ernesto Lostanau and Alfredo Arredondo controlled the game and provided a much needed spark to the Baler offense against Saratoga (0-3).
San Benito was coming off a hard fought loss to Branham and was weakened by several injuries. But several of the bench players were able to make good contributions
“We worked hard in practice these last few days to get this team ready to play the full 60 minutes,” said coach Mike Warner. “I am proud to see the young players come through during this match and start to understand what it takes to play at this level. This team will improve and needs to work harder on its passing routes and finishing.”
The Baler defense of senior Willie Sanchez and juniors Jose Sanchez, Martin Medina and Gilbert Bailon thwarted all attempts by the Falcons, limiting them to one shot on goal in the first half.
The bench played an important role in keeping the pressure on the Falcons and finally broke through for a goal when sophomore Randell Lopez scored to make 3-0 at the half.
In the second half, the Falcons stormed the Baler goal for the first 10 minutes and were shutout by the outstanding goal play of senior Jorge Medina. He made five saves on corner kicks and crosses, allowing the Balers to regroup and go back on the attack.
The final scoring drive for the Balers was started by senior Valentin Bribiescas. Jesus Ramos scored the goal on a perfect pass by Alfredo Arredondo.
When the Balers play at Seaside today, they will be without Willie Sanchez, who received a red card for arguing with a referee during the game.
The varsity goes at 6:30 p.m., while the JV game is at 4:30 p.m.
Warner said it wouldn’t be a problem for his team to play back-to-back games.
“The more games the better,” Warner said. “You can only do so much in practice.”
JV Note: The Baler JV team pulled out a 3-2 win Tuesday over Saratoga after falling behind 2-0. Miguel Guzman had a goal, and Jose Diaz De Leon scored two goals.
Both teams played hard in the first half. The Balers (2-1) had the edge on shots on goal, but the score was 0-0 at the half.
Host Saratoga scored twice to take a commanding 2-0 lead over the Balers after just nine minutes into the second half. But the Balers began to claw their way back. Guzman took a through pass from Alex Ceja in for a score in the 21st minute.
Six minutes later, Diaz De Leon drove one into the corner of the Saratoga net to tie the game. The momentum had clearly shifted, and Diaz De Leon drove another one home three minutes later to put the Balers on top to stay.
The superb defense, led by Jesus Cortez, helped the Balers close out the final ten minutes with no shot taken by Saratoga.
