LION'S TAME TITANS 5-1
The 2012 Peachtree Ridge Varsity Soccer Men's Lion team started the season in fine fashion Friday night, beating the Northview Titans by a score of 5-1.
The Titans strolled into Lion's stadium with early season confidence that led to an opening goal and a 1-0 lead at the 8 minute mark. A strong run by the Titans left midfielder found him one on one with Lion keeper Daryl Sack. His shot, one of only a handful the Titans would muster on the night, was placed perfectly - low to the far corner of the net - for the early lead. After that, the game was all Lions.
Coming right back in the 11th minute, senior Jack Winfrey's pass to space on the left sideline found charging junior Jeremy Rector who beat two Titan defenders and side stepped an aggressive Titan keeper before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net for his first of three goals on the night. "That was a great ball by Jack, and Jeremy did a nice job gaining control of it. I'd say that was one of the keys to tonight's game, we controlled the ball well all night. The guys were communicating well and making smart runs and passes throughout the game. That's a nice way to start the season," said an elated Coach Ryan Sutton.
The Lions second goal of the evening came at the 15:10 mark when Raul Diaz's drop pass found a slanting Kevin Zuluaga who slipped past a defender and unleashed a 35 yard shot on frame that beat the Titan keeper. Zuluaga's goal, his first of the campaign, found space between the outstretched arms of the Titan keeper and the crossbar sending the crowd into a frenzy and the Lions on to the eventual victory.
"Our defense settled down after the first 10-minutes and played stingy. You like to see that early in the season," stated Sutton. "JT Taplin, Mike Valenzuela, Grayson Guldenschuh, Raul Diaz, Jake Siracusa and Winfrey each contributed to holding the Titans offense in check. Daryl played a strong game with timely challenges and quick reaction. Overall our guys delivered a strong defensive performance. Everyone contributed."
Nine minutes after Zuluaga's goal, Taplin's long throw into the box found the head of Lion senior Lucas Raposo amid a sea of Titan defenders. Raposo redirected the ball into the back of the net for the 3-1 Lion lead. The goal was Raposo's first of the season.
Just 2 minutes later Raposo was at it again when he found Rector in the box with a short pass. Rector's smart move beat a Titan defender before he slotted the ball with the outside of his right foot off the far post and into the net. The goal was his second of the night and the season.
The Lions completed the scoring in the game when Winfrey, contributing his second assist of the night, found Rector streaking from the left side of the field at the 25 yard mark. Cutting through the middle of the field, he unleashed a low rocket that beat a paralyzed Titan keeper for his third goal of the evening.
"We might have had a few more, the ball Evan (sophomore Evan Pantels) hit was a point blank rocket, kudos to the Titan keeper for that save. And Jordan Davis hit the crossbar too. Both of those were quality. Our outside guys were playing well, led by Danny Rodriquez who was working hard all night. Overall It was just a great team effort and a nice way to start to the season," said Sutton.
The Junior Varsity Lions play in their first home game of the season on Monday, February 13th - please come out to support the them! Check the Lion Calendar for details.
The Varsity Lions head to Harrison on Tuesday, February 14th in the first road game of the season. The trip to Harrison will take about one hour, so plan accordingly - you won't want to miss a minute of that one! You can find directions from PRHS here.
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Tag(s): Lions News
