Paloma rallies too late, drops 3-2 boys soccer decision to Poly

By Juliette Johnson, Correspondent

The Paloma Valley boys soccer team fell short on Thursday night against the Riverside Polytechnic Bears by a score of 3-2.

Riverside Poly took no time in getting its first goal, which senior Eric Barbarin made within the first two minutes. The Wildcats were pushed to their limits on both ends of the field as the Bears controlled the first half of the game. Both teams relentlessly pushed each other, literally too.

Towards the end of the half, Paloma had offensive control and took good chances. However, Riverside Poly ended the half with a goal from senior Adrian Navarro for a score of 2-0.

In the second half, the Wildcats started strong. They put up a good fight until Poly ultimately scored its third goal, from Barbarin again. Paloma's defense stopped the Bears from scoring any more in this half while also focusing on keeping the ball within their offensive zone.

Eventually, within the last 10 minutes, John Trujillo scored Paloma’s first goal. This awoke the Paloma offense. The second, scored not much later, was made by Rosendo Mata. Though taking opportunities, the Wildcats still fell short at the last minute.

Following the game, Paloma’s head coach, Carlos Duran, said, “You guys came out here and played hard. You guys put a team on their back.”