The Orchard Valley U13 Boys’ Class I soccer club hosted the
State Cup Preliminary rounds at the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex this
past weekend.
The Orchard Valley U13 Boys’ Class I soccer club hosted the State Cup Preliminary rounds at the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex this past weekend. After winning their first two games, the Stingrays lost 1-0 to the Davis Gunners, who advanced to the Round of 16 on Feb. 15
Stingrays 4, SCC Arsenal SC 0
The Stingrays shutout the team from Santa Cruz, scoring two goals in each half and playing excellent defense throughout the game. Matt Altamirano scored the first Stingray goal on a nice lead pass assist from fullback Eric Miller.
Shortly before halftime, backup goalkeeper Trevor Newcomb scored his first goal as a Stingray on a left-footed shot with an assist from Ricardo Plata. Plata got on the scoreboard a few minutes into the second half, as David Jelinek transitioned the ball in the midfield and found Plata for the easy score.
With Newcomb in goal for the second half, regular keeper Sheldon Steenhuis scored the fourth goal for the Stingrays off a corner kick by Altamirano late in the game. Fullbacks Nick Rodriquez and Matt Stuck were stellar on defense to help Newcomb and Steenhuis preserve the shutout.
Stingrays 4, Livermore Elite Speed 1
In the second game of the afternoon, the Stingrays exploited their wind advantage in the first half, scoring three goals to take an insurmountable lead at the half.
Kevin Grove’s corner kick was perfectly placed and Ricardo Plata headed it in for the first goal. Grove assisted on the second goal as well, as Altamirano found the back of the net on a blast from the right wing.
Halfbacks Danny Nelson and Chris Nielsen combined on the third goal, as Nelson weaved his way through the defense and drew two defenders before passing off to Nielsen for the score.
The Livermore squad cut the lead to 3-1 in the second half, as their striker cut through the defense and put one past keeper Sheldon Steenhuis.
However, the Stingrays quickly responded with a goal against the wind. Spencer Razouk blasted one past the goalie with the assist coming from Altamirano.
Stingrays 0,
Davis Gunners Black 1
Needing either a win or tie to advance in the State Cup, the Stingrays couldn’t find the net, although they had several chances.
Early in the game, winger Casey Mott hit the post, and the Gunners’ defense cleared the ball before the Stingrays could put in the rebound.
With the wind at their back, the Stingrays controlled the first half action with several scoring opportunities and drew eight offsides traps.
Halfbacks Stephen Smith and Jonathan Hughes each had scoring opportunities, but the Gunners keeper was up to the task each time. Just before the half, David Jelinek blasted a shot just under the keeper, but missed the goal by six inches.
With the score 0-0 at halftime, the Stingrays were determined to compete in the second half. Unfortunately, midway through the half, a defensive breakdown on a free kick led to a breakaway, as the right winger for the Gunners angled his shot to the back post for the only score.
The Stingrays battled the rest of the game. Kevin Grove continually pushed the ball up the field to Plata, Mott, Altamirano and Nelson. The defense of the Gunners was excellent as they denied each scoring opportunity.
The loss ended the season for the Stingrays, who finished with an overall record of 19-13-3.
