Bulldog goalkeeper Tristan Oliver dives for one of his 10 saves in the first period during the Dawgs 8-0 loss to Desert Pines.
Photo by Lou Martin

It is said that ‘possession is 9 tenths of the law’, in soccer the team that controls the ball generally wins. In Thursday’s 8/28 matchup between Virgin Valley High School and Desert Pines was a draw for most of the first half as Bulldog goalkeeper Tristan Oliver had an unbelievable 10 saves in the first half against an unrelenting Jaguar attack. Despite the barrage on Bulldog goal, Desert Pines could not hit net until less than one minute remained in the first period. Joel Sanchez broke free from the Dawgs defense scoring the first goal of the game.

The second period was all Jaguars as Sanchez had a remarkable game. Sanchez ended up with a double hat trick (six goals) to lead his team to a rout of the Bulldogs 8-0. The Dawgs defense was no match for the smooth and disciplined passing attack of the Jaguars. Time of possession was close to 80 % for the Desert Pines squad. The Dawgs also lost to Pahrump Valley on Tuesday August 26 by a score of 6-0. Bulldog senior striker Christian Martinez was hurt in that game and was held out of the Desert Pines game. The Bulldogs will attempt to regroup on Tuesday 9/4 when they host Clark High School.