Pirates Lose In Defensive Game Against Del Sol

By GANNON HANEVOLD

Moapa Valley Progress

The Moapa Valley High School Boys’ soccer team had just one game for the week. It came at home against a tough Del Sol team.
Moapa has been known for their defense through the early portion of the season, but finding offensive firepower to match it has been a struggle.

Last week, Pirates head coach Jared Bushman said the team needed a goal to build confidence, and they hoped to find that goal in their home game against the Dragons.

In the first half, the Pirates’ defense was on full display. According to Bushman, it was the best he’s seen of his team in six years. “It was absolutely sensational,” he said.

For the first 45 minutes of game play, the Pirates were able to hold scoreless a Del Sol team that was full of talent. They were excited. But the Pirates still weren’t able to finish on opportunities to score.

In the second half, the Pirates were attacking the back third of the Dragons better than they had in the first half, and it seemed like a turnaround in the forward half was imminent. However, a mishap on the other end led to an own goal against the Pirates, giving Del Sol a 1-0 lead.

The Pirates caught a break minutes later as a Del Sol player missed a shot on an open goal. A great pass by Israel Rubio set up Bryan Robles for a scoring opportunity for the Pirates. Robles went one on one with the Del Sol goalkeeper but Robles’ shot went just inches right of the post.
Late in the half, two goals by Sergio Calderon and Yerovys Vargas-Gill of the Dragons gave them a 3-0 lead.

The Pirates remained determined to get on the scoreboard. Finally an opportunity presented itself as the Pirates attacked the left wing. Sebastean Gutierrez of the Pirates was fouled in the very corner of the box, resulting in a fortunate penalty kick rewarded to Moapa. Gutierrez capitalized and went right side of the goal for the score.

In the end, the Pirates would lose 3-1. But the team showed certain promise, especially on the defensive end.

Bushman explained the flaws he saw in the game for Moapa. “I think part of it is a lack of attacking,” he said. “Not scoring in the first half hurts us. The back line played a sensational game but we didn’t attack well. If we could have got a one goal lead, I think we could have won.”

While the team might have been somewhat disappointed with the loss, Bushman said the opportunities the team had in the second half should provide confidence going forward. “There’s no reason we can’t beat the big schools this year with the way our defense is able to play,” he said. “That hesitancy attacking and being scared that they’ll get the ball is hurting us. If we can get over that and lay it all on the line, there’s no reason we can’t beat the good teams.”

A game this week against Boulder City will give Moapa Valley a chance to bounce back and come with more offensive prowess, while maintaining their improving defense.