|
VC fit to
be tied with Santa Cruz 11/27
Valley Christian - 3, Santa Cruz - 3
The
Homestead Christmas Cup began Saturday with pool play taking place at
Valley Christian's soccer field. To start off the morning, Palo Alto
beat Seaside by forfeit after the Seaside bus broke down in Morgan Hill.
The next game pitted Harbor vs. Santa Clara, and ended in a tie. With
the rain subsided, the stage was set for the next game, Valley Christian
vs. Santa Cruz.
VC has only played Santa
Cruz once in it's boys soccer history, a 1-1 tie last year. There was no
shortage of alumni on hand for this holiday weekend showdown, but there
was a shortage of available players for VC. In attendance were
Chris Hansen, Joe Martinez, Brandon Stirm, Donny Dequine, Joe Nettemeyer,
and Devin Nelson.
The
list of unavailable players was long and disturbing when you consider
that Santa Cruz is one of the CCS's best teams.
Ben Hansen (GK),
Ryan Corry (Defensive mid), Jeff Coggan
(Center Mid), Garrett Ruiz (Sweeper),
Austin Keeling (center mid), Brad
McLaughlin (backup GK), Nathan Goldsmith, and David Zvolanek were all
unable to start. Of those players, only McLaughlin, Keeling, and
Zvolanek were able to play at all.
After 15 minutes of play
dominated by the VC Warriors, Santa Cruz broke through on a free kick
from the top of the 18-yard box. It would take only take 10 minutes for
VC to equalize on a Andrew Smith goal, his
first of the year. Smith took the ball on a great pass from
Chris Zambataro and slotted it by the
Santa Cruz keeper to tie the score at 1.
Moments later, Zambataro, was able to put the Warriors ahead with goal
created by hustle. While pressuring the Santa Cruz backs, he was
able to get free just enough to put the ball in the net, 2-1 VC.
Incidentally, today was Zambataro's Birthday, happy birthday Z!
Just before the end of the
half, Santa Cruz equalized on a brilliant one touch shot after a great
buildup.
Not to
be outdone, Joey Stryker took a feed from Peter Osuna and buried it in the far
post side netting to stake VC to a 3-2 lead.
It
just wasn't meant to be a win for VC today as a long distance shot was
lost in the sun by the VC keeper to tie the score.
Coach John Basanese said
after the game: "This was a great result for us. The kids
worked hard and they showed that we have the potential to be a very deep
team." "Once we get to full strength, we should live up to our
potential."
Following the VC game, Saratoga tied Aptos 1-1.
vcsoccer.com man of the match: Andrew Smith
| Santa Cruz |
2 |
1 |
3 |
| Valley Christian |
2 |
1 |
3 |
VC - Smith 1 (Zambataro) '26
VC - Zambataro 1 (Unassisted) '28
VC - Stryker 1 (Osuna) |
