Boys Soccer lose to TECH 3-1

Bulldog goalkeeper Hayden Johnson returns a goal kick Wednesday Sept.28 during the Bulldogs 3-1 loss to TECH. Despite giving up three goals, Johnson had an overall good game as the Roadrunners had over 20 shots on goal. Photo by Lou Martin

Bulldog goalkeeper Hayden Johnson returns a goal kick Wednesday Sept.28 during the Bulldogs 3-1 loss to TECH. Despite giving up three goals, Johnson had an overall good game as the Roadrunners had over 20 shots on goal. Photo by Lou Martin

The Virgin Valley High School boys came out strong Wednesday afternoon, Sept 28 hitting goal at the 11-minute mark of their game against a good Roadrunners team from SECTA. Miguel Escobedo got the Dawgs goal on a pass from Roman Perez.

After their initial burst of offense, the Bulldogs were forced into an aggressive style of defense. The Roadrunners went into an attack mode forcing the Bulldogs defense back and taking shot after shot at goal. Bulldog goalkeeper Hayden Johnson did his best but allowed a crossover goal after stepping out to stop a Roadrunner goal. Andres Santana struck the tying goal at the 16 minute mark. The teams battled evenly for the next 23 minutes before the slick passing Roadrunners hit Joel Vasquez who slammed it by the Bulldog goalkeeper. The Roadrunners took a 2-1 advantage into the halftime break.

“We’re playing the best soccer so far this year,” said Bulldog coach Chris Park at the break. “This is your first lead of the season. Keep the intensity up,” Coach Park added.

The Roadrunners came out to begin the second period with renewed energy as they controlled the ball most of the period. Their discipline in the passing game was an amazing thing to watch. The Roadrunners averaged about 10 to 12 touches each time they moved the ball down the field. Not to be outdone, the Dawgs held the Roadrunners in check without a goal with shear intensity and grit.

The Bulldogs defense continued to shine until Roadrunner Alex Mejia struck goal at the 75-minute mark on a penalty kick in the box. Bulldog goalkeeper Johnson made a great save on the initial shot, but the ball bounced back to Mejia for the goal. The final score found TECH winning 3-1 over the Bulldogs.

“Our mid-field played really well,” said Coach Park. “Freddy Gomez’ play was outstanding. Moving Jaden Juan to center-back has improved our game. Now we face maybe the best team in the state, Del Sol.”

The loss dropped the Dawgs to 2-2 in league play.