WOSgrad Posted February 11, 2011 Report Posted February 11, 2011 38-4A Match at 7:00 p.m. from Orange
Islander Posted February 12, 2011 Report Posted February 12, 2011 "That was a huge win", announced Coach Jeremy Watzlavik to the LC-M Bears soccer team following a thrilling 3-2 home victory over the perennial district powerhouse Central Jaguars. Garhett Bonneaux led the Bears with two goals; and Daniel Delafuenta added another goal. "We needed this win. Tonight, we took a big step towards the playoffs. I am excited", stated a satisfied Coach Watzlavik. The Bears' emphasis on defense stymied the Jaguars most of the night. "We had our strategy coming into the game. And we, as a team, executed it perfectly", said Watzlavik. Bonneaux was instrumental in leading the Bears to victory. "Garhett is a great leader", commented Watzlavik. "He wanted the team to win this game. He earned an A+, 100 tonight". The action started quickly for the Bears. In the game's opening minute, Tommy Jones' perfectly placed throw-in went past a Jaguar defender to Bears forward Tanner Crow. Crow ran to the ball, dribbled for 10 yards, and then sent a hard shot at the goalie. When the goalie barely deflected the ball, Delafuenta kicked the ball past the goalie for a 1-0 Bears lead. "Tommy always has a big throw-in. And, our fabulous freshman Delafuenta put the ball in the goal", said Watzlavik. The Bears scored six minutes later when the Jaguars fouled Bears midfielder Hippolito Hernandez. An opportunistic Bonneaux caught the Jaguar defense by suprise when he quickly sent the free kick from 30 yards out past the Jaguar's goalie for a 2-0 lead. "Garhett had his wits about him" said Watzlavik. "Once the ref put the ball in play, he kicked it before the Jaguars defense was ready". The Jaguars bounced back quickly by scoring three minutes later to make the score 2-1. At the 16-minute mark, Bonneaux scored his second goal of the night. Deep in Jaguar territory, Bonneaux received a throw-in on the right side corner of the field. Bonneaux's sharply-angled shot from the 15-yardline hit paydirt to give the Bears a 3-1 lead. "I thought Garhett had kicked a crossing shot. But when I saw the net moving, I realized that the ball went in for a goal", said Watzlavik. The Jaguars scored with 17 minutes remaining in the first half. The Jaguars moved the ball to the middle of the field and then sent a quick shot into the net for a goal. The first half ended with the Bears leading 3-2. The game's close score contributed to a suspenseful second half. As the game continued, both teams mounted several strong scoring drives. The Bears' stout defense shined in the second half. The Bears' back defensive line of Harley Cobb, Tommy Jones, Mitchell Heil, and Zach Blanchard was a major reason why the Jaguars were unable to score in the second half. When both Bears' center defenders, Jones and Heil, were forced to the sidelines late in the game because of injuries, it provided for some tense moments for Coach Watzalik. "I was a little nervous when Tommy and Mitchell went out of the game", expressed Watzlavik. "But, the rest of the guys were ready to step in." Fortunately, defender Zach Blanchard provided a big lift for the Bears by playing one of his strongest games of the season. "Zach was a beast out there. He is a great competitor", said Watzlavik. Goalie Adam Garza also played good game for the Bears. The victory improves the Bears' district record to 3-1. Coach Watzlavik once again spoke highly of his team's effort. "I have something good to say about each and every one of our players". And for the Bears, it was a satisfying night for a team that proved that they are worthy of a run at the playoffs. On Tuesday, the Bears travel to Vidor for another district game.
Recommended Posts