By Jesse Mann, SCCLC
The Cooperative Varsity Jaguars decimated the Eagles Thursday afternoon with a ferocious offensive strategy that overwhelmed the Christian Learning defense. The Jaguars took possession of the ball immediately after the kick off and maintained firm control throughout the match. Cooperative forwards Esteban Sauto, Nicolas Aguirre, Josue Abuawad, Nicolas Cronenbol, Juan Carlos Jaguna, and Milan Marinkovic executed a stunning display of teamwork as they repeatedly advanced up the field with precise passes that bypassed the Eagle defenders. Each of these forwards scored a goal sometime during the match, with the exception of Sauto, who scored two. This determined assault ultimately gave the Jaguars an indomitable lead over the Eagles, although two yellow cards were awarded as a result of their aggressive play. The Eagles fought hard to move the ball past midfield and accomplished nothing beyond a couple stifled corner kicks and a few weak shots on goal. Near the end of the second half a foul deep in the Jaguar end of the field gave the Eagles their first chance to challenge the Cooperative lead. Eagle Sami Frith launched the soccer ball above a wall defenders and nearly deposited it in the upper right hand corner of the net. However, Jaguar goalie Eduardo Ribera hurled himself toward the advancing ball and just managed to tip it over the crossbar, achieving his first save of the game. After a few more minutes of Jaguar dominance, the match ended with a final score of 7-0.
Griffins Overcome Knights 3-0
By Oscar Prudencio, SCIS
The game started after a slight delay, and both teams reeked of energy and anticipation to take each other on. The Griffins started with their same old strategy (full steam ahead), attempting to score in the first few minutes. The Knights played smart, anticipating this strategy. From the start they formed a barrier, letting no ball anywhere near their goalie. However, speedy Griffin forward Gary Suarez managed to outrun this Knight barrier to score the first goal for the Griffins. This acted as an incentive for the rest of the Griffins to get pumped up and ready to score again, but its also as a reminder for the Knights to stand their ground, and repel the Griffin attacks as well as possible. The strong Knights barrier managed to slow the Griffins down until the end of the first half.
The second half soon started and the match continued. Here, the Griffins played very aggressively, working like a jackhammer to pound the Knight defense apart. The Knights continued to play safe, but they took advantage of a loose ball and nearly scored a goal. However, Griffin defender Bruno Cesconeto saved the ball when it was inches from the goal. The ball then made its way to the Knight goalie. It rebounded off of him, and Griffin Jose Eduardo Coloma took the chance to score second Griffin goal. Less than a minute later, Griffin Santiago Maldonado scored the third and final goal of the game. The Griffins could have potentially scored many more goals, but a lack of communication and focus lead to their victory being slightly less impressive.
