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Warriors End Pre-Season With Win Over Santa Teresa (12/6)
The
Warriors wrapped up their pre-season slate of games today with a match
against Santa Teresa. After a successful week against Westmont,
and Piedmont Hills, this would prove to be another strong challenge.
The weather couldn't have been more perfect up at VC.
After a hard fought JV game (VC won 1-0), the teams kicked off promptly
at 1pm.
Valley Christian continued it's style of play from the
onset, controlling the run of play, and getting chances early.
Santa Teresa threatened mostly through counter attacks throughout the
game.
In the 20th minute, VC opened the scoring. Senior
defender, James Gizzi, swung in a perfect cross which was put across by
Alex de Leon, right to Trevor Plug who buried the ball into the net, 1-0
VC. The goal was Trevor's team leading 6th of the season.
Video of the goal can be seen here.
Valley Christian would continue to pressure the ST
backline with attacking players coming all over the field. A few
close misses, and nice saves by the ST goalkeeper, and the score was 1-0
at halftime.
The second half was more of the same, until de Leon
doubled the lead in the 60th minute.
A great combination play ended with Trevor Plug feeding
Alex a perfectly weighted ball, and de Leon made no mistake. The
goal carried significance according to coach Basanese.
"We are getting great production from our forwards this
season, and that's why we've been successful. I like having
players who can score in the midfield, but we really need the guys up
top to carry that burden. Trevor and Alex are learning to play
well together up top, and it's been great. Both goals today were
very nice."
Video of the goal can be seen here.
A
few moments later, a good hustle play caused a turnover in the ST end,
with the goalkeeper out of position. Joseph Rosa-Diniz took a shot
that nearly found the net, bouncing off the post. The goal
would've been Joseph's first goal, though he has many assists.
The VC defense was key again, holding another team
scoreless. Austin Mansker only had to make 3 saves on the day,
thanks largely to outstanding play from the back four.
After a pre-season where the Warriors went 4-0-1, the
team will head into WCAL play. Things get much tougher from here,
with the opener coming against Mitty, at home, this Thursday.
The team is healthy, full of confidence, and chomping at
the bit to play a very very good Mitty side. What more could you
ask for from a pre-season?
Come out and support the guys as they look to stay
unbeaten.
A short highlight
video from the game can be seen here.
Game Notes:
- Trevor's goal was his 6th of the season
- Austin Mansker recorded the 10th shutout of his career, and
his second straight.
- Alex de Leon's goal was the 14th of his career.
VCSoccer.com Man of the Match: Alex
de Leon, Trevor Plug (1g, 1a each)
| Santa Teresa |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Valley Christian |
1 |
1 |
2 |
Scoring Summary:
Trevor Plug (de Leon)
Alex de Leon (Plug)
VC Starting Lineup: Mansker, Joseph, Berding,
Hittler, Gizzi, Tarangioli, Cordeiro, Rosa-Diniz, Nelson, Plug, de Leon
Game time: 1pm
Weather: Perfectly sunny, 72 degrees |
