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WCAL's Best Handles VC
With
raucous weather in the forecast, the Valley Christian Warriors hosted
the WCAL's first place team, Bellarmine. Bellarmine is also the
CCS and State of California's top team, and are ranked in the top 5
nation-wide.
The Warriors worked hard over the winter break to be
prepared for the Bells. Unfortunately, the game got off to a
difficult start for VC with Bellarmine scoring in the 1st minute.
"I didn't even see a shot,"
coach Basanese said. "That was
definitely not in our game plan."
A
flurry in the Warrior box lead to a deflection that found it's way
across the line, 1-0 Bellarmine.
A
few minutes later, the Bells scored again on a very nice seam pass that
left the striker in alone with Austin
Mansker. 2-0 Bells.
Bellarmine would control play, and eventually make it 3-0 before
halftime.
The Warriors would try to recover, but a three goal deficit against a
team like Bellarmine, is not easy.
"I have to say, I've never seen a high school team that is that solid at
every position. Not to mention their depth is pretty scary.
After awhile, you can't even really tell who their starters are.
They are an incredible team," Basanese said.
"Still, I thought the goals we conceded were completely avoidable
defensively, in the first half. Austin had a brilliant game to
keep us in it. Bellarmine is going to score goals, but you can't make it
easy for them. My hat's off to them though, they finished their
chances and made us pay. The 3 goal hole was a little much for us
today."
The second half would see a different Warriors side. After the
halftime discussion, the players came out focused, and began playing
with more passion. A few near misses kept them off the score
sheet, but it was definitely an improvement.
"If we start the game the way we started the second half, there is no
way we concede two early goals like that. We've got to be better
at the beginning of games," assistant coach
David Fugate said.
While the game was somewhat lopsided, there were some positives for the
fans who turned out to see the game, Basanese said.
"Hey, it was an entertaining game. We play the same style as
Bellarmine, moving the ball around the field, they just do it a lot
better than us right now. We're still learning, and it's great for
us to see competition like this. That is a well coached, well
organized team...and they set the standard in the WCAL, a standard we're
working towards. We'll get there, we believe in our kids, losses
won't change that."
The Warriors will recover quickly to face Serra at home on Saturday at
11am. Please check the website, as the weather may cause this game
to be delayed.
Photos from the match can be found
here. Special thanks to John (Sr.) and Josh Basanese for
dealing with the wind and rain to get these shots!
VCSoccer.com Man of the Match:
Austin Mansker (11 saves)
| Bellarmine College
Prep |
3 |
2 |
5 |
| Valley Christian |
0 |
0 |
0 |
VC Starting Lineup: Mansker, Walitsch,
Cardoza, Hittler, Reyes, Tarangioli, Joseph, Alex de Leon, Christian de
Leon, Nelson, Fahmy
Game time: 3:15
Weather: 52 degrees, driving rain and wind (20mph) |
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