Michele Aerin is a Master's student at ASU Cronkite School of Journalism assigned to cover Coronado High School for AZpreps365.com

SCOTTSDALE - Coronado junior striker Lazar Stamenkovic delivered a hat trick to lead the Dons’ boys soccer team to a dominating conference win over Vista Grande Friday night at Ed Anderson field. Coronado’s soccer team gave new meaning to the term Friday night lights. While high school football often gets top billing, these soccer players are every bit as deserving. 

Coronado had multiple players score goals in its 7-0 victory, but it was Stamenkovic’s three goals that led to a blowout win. Stamenkovic, from Serbia, has only been in this country a little over a year. In that time, he has really bonded with his Dons teammates. 

“ I came all the way from Serbia to show my skills,” Stamenkovic said. “I learned Spanish while I was here at Coronado. I learned teamwork as well, and these guys are very good.”

The first half started out slowly, as the Dons attempted multiple shots on goal, but did not score until the 23rd minute of the game, with Stamenkovic kicking the ball into the upper right side of the net. From that point on, Coronado dominated time of possession and controlled the midfield with tremendous passing. 

Vista Grande had a few counterattacks by sophomore Angel Chaydez and senior Ramon Quinonez. However, the few times they were able to advance the ball across the field, the Spartans were thwarted by Coronado’s stellar defense. In the 33rd minute of the game captain Cristo Obeso Rosas was awarded a penalty kick. He vigorously sent the ball into the net; the Vista Grande goalie had no chance. Coronado led 2-0 at the half.

Coronado head coach Jose Velarde had to miss the game due to COVID-19 protocols. Assistants Agraciano Obeso Ortiz and Eddie Perez took the helm. At the half, Ortiz told his team they needed to play with more intensity. 

Right out of the gate to start the second half, the Dons found their intensity. They used their speed and skill on the ball to score three goals in the first five minutes of play. Stamenkovic led the way exploiting Vista Grande’s weak side to complete his hat trick.

“The hat trick felt very good to me, and I made a lot of people here tonight happy,” Stamenkovic said. “It was our last home game.” 

Coronado scored two more goals making up for their slow start.

“I didn’t like that we started out really slowly,” coach Perez said. “Then we picked it up, and in the second half we scored almost six goals really fast, so I think I liked that.”

The Dons will look to use this win as a motivating factor with their sights set on the playoffs.They still have two matches left of the regular season. 

“The playoffs would mean so much to us," Rosas said. "Go out…compete…play our best and just try to win state,” Rosas said. 

The Coronado Soccer team after their 7-0 defeat of Vista Grande. ( Michele Aerin photo/AZPreps365)

Coronado has made the playoffs nine out of the last 10 years, including winning a state title twice. Coronado (7-4) now travels to San Tan Valley to play Poston Butte ( 2-9-1).