The Orchard Valley U14 Boys’ Class I soccer club traveled to
Watsonville this past Saturday, and tied the 2003 State Cup
runner-up SCC Assault, 1-1.
WATSONVILLE – The Orchard Valley U14 Boys’ Class I soccer club traveled to Watsonville this past Saturday, and tied the 2003 State Cup runner-up SCC Assault, 1-1.
Stingrays 1, SCC Assault 1
Facing the State Cup champions and runner-up in two of their first three league games, the U14 Class 1 Stingrays performed quite well, allowing just one goal in each contest, and drawing a tie this past Saturday against the SCC Assault from Santa Cruz. The Assault drew first blood, as a rare Stingray’s defensive breakdown allowed their right winger an open shot, and he placed the ball above keeper Ricardo Plata. Later in the half, left back Matt Altamirano made the save of the game, as he stayed with his man, and knocked a sure goal away for a corner kick. The Stingrays actually outplayed the Assault in the first half, with three legitimate scoring opportunities. Kevin Grove’s corner kick almost went in the goal, and the Stingrays missed two rebounds to an open net from a few feet away. Two other opportunities went awry, and the half ended with the Assault in the lead, 1-0. Midway through the second half, center mid-fielder Danny Nelson drew a foul just outside the penalty box and the ensuing free kick was placed perfectly by fullback Casey Mott to Nelson, who deftly put the ball past the keeper. With the game now tied at 1, both teams worked hard for the winning goal. Grove made three nice saves in goal, and the Assault keeper made a diving save off a blast by left winger Noel Vera. Bryan Faulk played an outstanding game in mid-field, consistently winning ball possession for his forwards. This was the fourth straight game the Stingrays have only allowed one goal, as their re-vamped defense is coming together.
