Paloma Valley boys soccer team shuts out Tahquitz, 2-0
Paloma Valley's Rosendo Mata (left) moves the ball against a Tahquitz defender. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group) By Juliette Johns...
By Juliette Johnson, Correspondent
The Paloma Valley Wildcats boys soccer team sealed a 2-0 victory against the Tahquitz Titans in a long game on Tuesday.
The first half of the game was dominated by a very fierce and determined Wildcats team. With a very head-strong offense taking lots of opportunities and a reliable defense keeping it out of the neutral and defensive zones, the Wildcats gave their team a great start to the game.
Both teams fought for dominance with great physicality. While Paloma capitalized on shot opportunities and had good chances, Tahquitz's defense and goaltending were working just as hard. The first half ended with a score of 0-0, with both sides putting up a good fight.
During halftime, Paloma head coach Carlos Duran told the boys, “You guys need to commit to the way we play.” He expressed how cracking under pressure was overshadowing all of the hard work they were putting in.
Paloma Valley kept possession for the start of the second half, but the Tahquitz defense stayed strong. In contrast to the first 40 minutes, the Wildcats made fewer shot opportunities, but stayed just as competitive. Just as the possession seemed to even out in the last five minutes, Paloma’s first goal was scored by Rosendo Mata. That goal seemed to send a shot of energy through the players, which led to another goal in the last three minutes, by John Trujillo.
“They could have done better. We’re a better team than that,” said Duran at the end of the game. “We’re a very offensive-minded team, but we are also very responsible with our defensive transitions.”
Paloma Valley improved its overall record to 7-2.
John Trujillo pushes the ball ahead once again for the Wildcats. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)
