Danny Specht (22) controls the ball against BVC’s Michael Flood (20). Photos by Amanda White
The Grizzlies varsity boys soccer team unfortunately couldn’t capitalize on their home-pitch advantage in their season opener.
They fell just short of the Big Valley Christian Lions by a score of 3-2 last week at Mariposa County High School.
“The game went well, we got to rotate players and see different combinations,” said coach Miguel Ramirez-Ruiz.
“We would have liked to win but I’m happy how the boys responded in the second half.”
The roster this season includes Mason Rivera, Nathiah DelGrego, Colton Truchess, Noah Eastwood, Sawyer Malisch, Xander Bilodeau, Josiah Hayes, Elvis Rodriguez, Levi Evans, Brandon Naranjo, Jhovany Marquez, Dylan Chun, Canyon Carter, Bradley Southwood, Moses Lopez, Alejandro Alvarado, Adam Marron, Logen Brantley, Edwin Vargas, Sawyer Newsom and Danny Specht.
While the Lions had goals from Tallon Madrid and Cody Uribe, the Grizzlies goals were scored by Southwood with assists by Marquez and Malisch.
As the Grizzlies worked to be patient and rotate the ball during the first half, the game plan was to open the ball out wide to create space for their central players.
Josiah Hayes (7) is shown in action against Eli Wolf (21) last week at MCHS.
“Defensively I wanted to see us direct play a certain way and trap, but I still have to do a better job of teaching that,” the coach said.
“In the second half we looked to play more direct and the adjustments were working as we scored two goals.”
Communication and awareness played a key role.
“Defensively I challenged the players to communicate and scan more,” said Ramirez- Ruiz.
“We were a lot better on the ball in the second and we added a third centerback to lighten Naranjo’s defensive workload.”
On Dec. 5 the Grizzlies hit the pitch against the Tribe in Chowchilla.
MCHS was shutout 6-0 at the final whistle.
While Angel Arredondo scored three goals for the Tribe, the remaining three goals were scored by Matthew Rendon, Alvaro Vilches and Isaac Chavez.
“Will continue to work on finishing and pressing,” Ramirez-Ruiz said.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9 the Grizzlies went up against Vanguard College Prep at MCHS.
Results were not available at press time.
Next up, the Grizzlies will face the Bulldogs at Le Grand on Dec. 11.
Game time is 5 p.m.
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