BRONCO'S GET SACKED
Boy’s and Girl’s Varsity Teams take down Brookwood in Penalty Kicks
February 16, 2012: The Peachtree Ridge Varsity Boys and Girls soccer teams played their 2nd regular season game in the last 48-hours against a top 10 ranked opponent. Just like Tuesday’s contests at Harrison, both Thursday night games against Brookwood went to double over-time and penalty kick shoot-outs. The varsity boys defeated the Broncos 1-0, as they prevailed 4-3 in their shoot out. In the varsity girl’s match, it was once again the Lions coming away with the victory 1-0, as they outlasted the Broncos 5-4 in Penalty Kicks.
Both matches were defensive clashes – characterized by tight marking and physical play. “We have a lot of respect for Brookwood,” said Coach Ryan Sutton, “They are a talented team. Our guys had to focus and play mentally tough against the Bronco attacking players. We did that well tonight.” The defense, led by Lion captain Mike Valenzuela, stymied the Broncos during the regular and over-time periods. “Each of our guys on the defensive side of the ball stepped up. Valenzuela, Jake Siracusa, Jack Winfrey, Grayson Guldenschuh, Raul Diaz and Daryl Sack each played a strong role in preserving the shut-out. The Broncos are a strong offensive side, so we are extremely pleased. If our guys can mark like that the rest of the season, we will be in the hunt.”
Offensively the Lions were frustrated, as the Brookwood defense also played well throughout the match. “We had some chances, but they were not quality chances,” noted Sutton. “You don’t expect many chances per game in Georgia AAAAA soccer, so when you get them, you have to capitalize. Tonight we just did not seem to get the good looks we needed.”
As the game moved to Penalties, Sack stepped to the forefront and put his mark on the game, making two huge saves that secured the victory for the Lions. “What can we say about Daryl, he loves this stuff,” commented Sutton. “Two matches, two top-ten opponents, and both go to Penalties. What a crazy way to start the season. We need a guy like Daryl that thrives on it. He was big for us tonight. I told the guys I liked our chances if it went to PK’s just because of Daryl’s attitude.” Sack stopped the Broncos 4th and 5th shooters to earn the victory for the Lions. Valenzuela, Jeremy Rector, Kevin Zuluaga, and Juan Herrera all scored goals in the shoot out for Peachtree Ridge.
In the girl’s game, both teams were a little more wide open with end-to-end play and quality chances for both sides. In the end, big plays defensively sent the game to a shoot out. “Soccer’s in the air,” said a smiling Coach Holleman after the game, “I am very proud of the girl’s for their performance tonight. We did what we had to do at each position to earn the win. This was a team effort.”
While the Lion’s team effort was recognized by their coach during the match, the fans were equally entertained by the aggressive individual play. Shots on goal, unbelievable plays on defense, and strong midfield play made the game exciting and fun to watch. Alanna Dineen and Phoebe Palmer kept the Bronco defense on edge all night, and once again Macey Raines played very well in the middle of the field. “This was Macey’s second strong performance in as many games,” said Coach Holleman, “she was stepping and busting up Bronco plays all night, and connecting well with our forwards and outside players. Our defense did the job we had to do, with Katey Lippitt, Shelby Jennings, Graham Green, and Olivia Hall each having strong games.”
In the end, this one also went down to Penalties. “What can you say about the way that Cosette Morche has started her high school career?” a delighted Coach Holleman said. “She got us to the shoot out with a number of great saves during the match. She is a very focused player, and plays her angles very well. While the Broncos had some quality chances, there just wasn’t much net they could see. I am happy for her to get her first high school win at home against such a quality program like Brookwood!” Dineen, Green, Jennings, and Katie Fitton each scored in the shootout.
The Junior Varsity Lions take to the road on Monday, February 20, when they visit the Lanier Bulldogs at Lanier High School. The boys have the early contest at 5:00 pm, and the girls tee it up at 6:30 pm. You can find directions to the game from PRHS here.
The next games for the Varsity Lions are on Tuesday, February 21, when they take on the Berkmar Patriots at home at Lion Stadium. The girl’s contest begins at 5:55 pm, and the Boy’s take the field at 7:45 pm.
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