Varsity Boys Soccer

Soccer ballet: Griffin Dan Baldivieso unleashes shot, collides with Eagle defender

Jonathan Muñoz, International School
Christian Learning 3,International 2
Eagles gain rancorous win over Griffins
By Andre Candia
International School
The Christian Learning boys varsity soccer team, playing on their own field Thursday, avenged the defeat they had suffered earlier this year at the hands of International.
The Eagles won by the tight score of 3-2. The first match between the teams had been equally close, with International winning 2-1 on its home field.
The hard-fought game was marked by several controversial calls by officials, who annulled several apparent goals for offsides or other infractions. One of the International goals that was "called back" occurred in the final seconds of the game, and, if allowed, would have tied the score.
In addition, five yellow cards were issued to Christian Learning players, and one to an International player. Eagle Alex Apodaca received two yellow card each, which, under league rules, is the equivalent of a red card. Eagle fullback received a red card for a handball in front of the goal.
A red card results in expulsion from the game and at least a one-game suspension for the player. Consequently the two Christian Learning players will not be able to play in the Eagles match against Cambridge next week, which could make a difference. Apodaca is his team's leading scorer, and accounted for one of the three Eagle goals Thursday. Canaviri has been outstanding on defense.
The Eagles opened the scoring when Apodaca bumped a header into the goal, and then the Eagles increased their lead to 2-0 when striker Frankin Jou made a great run through the Griffin defense and scored. The lead grew to 3-0 when Eagle Josh Mojica unloaded a shot that passed above the goalkeeper, leaving him without chances to stop it.
It was now late in the second half, but the Griffins made it 3-1 when Jesus Rodriguez connected on a penalty shot awarded because of Canaviri's handball, and then 3-2 when Juan Javier Estenssoro scored. They then nearly tied the game in injury time with the goal that was annulled.
Two other apparent goals by International had also been called back earlier, and the game ended in tumultuous fashion, with much cheering screaming, and yelling. A large crowd was on hand for the game, including many students from both schools, along with a lot of Christian Learning parents.
Nicolaas Mostert, athletic director of Co-operative and chairman of the league executive committee, said that there will be a review of the situation with the officials and the teams involved during the coming week.
Looking to the future, he said "we have to recognize that officials are only human. Coaches need to take an aggressive role in controlling players interactions with referees." League rules, he said, state that only the team captain is allowed to protest decisions made by officials. The rule may not have been strictly enforced in the past, he added, but it will be in the future. Story corrected Oct 1.
PHOTO: Griffin Juan Javier Estennsoro (19) heads the ball upfield
Jonathan Muñoz, International School

Knights strike back, beat Jaguars 3-2
The Cambridge varsity boys soccer team notched its first victory against three defeats with a convincing 3-2 win against Co-operative Thursday on the Jaguars' field.
The Jaguars had won the first meeting between the two teams, 2-0 and revenge appeared to be sweet for the Knights, who took the field with a makeshift line-up that included three players who had played the entire junior varsity game earlier in the afternoon.
Junior Sanchez scored twice for the Knights, and Martin Pacor one. Jose Manuel Vasquez scored both of Jaguar goals.
The scoring began when Sanchez made good on a penalty kick in the first half, making the score 1-0 Cambridge.
Vasquez then scored his two goals to Co-operative ahead 2-1. Vasquez' first came on a corner kick. His second was a longer shot from the field.
Shortly before halftime, Pacor neatly headed in a Cambridge corner kick to knot the score at 2-2.
Sanchez' goal was the only one in the second half, and gave Cambridge the victory. Cambridge came close to scoring on numerous other opportunities, and Co-operative had its chances as well.
Cambridge goalie Juan Manuel Salas played a key role in thwarting Co-operative's offensive thrusts, with fine saves and able field generalship
The Jaguar goalie also some fine plays, but there were at least two occasions when spectators were left shaking their heads in wonderment as to how the ball had evaded going into the net.
Three Cambridge players and two Co-operative players were shown yellow cards during the game.
This story was written from reports by Sheida Anello of Co-operative and coaches.