Carl Hayden off to 8-1-1 start
December 27, 2018 by Jose Garcia, AZPreps365
Carl Hayden flashed what it’s capable of.
It was enough to start its Arizona Soccer Showcase trip on a positive note. Propelled by a strong first half, the Falcons downed California Warren 2-0 at Reach 11.
“Today (Thursday) we struggled too much in the second half,” Carl Hayden coach Abner Calderon said. “We left too many gaps open. In the first half we played like we were supposed to, being supportive.”
The Falcons’ intensity dipped in the second half but still managed to score a goal in the final minutes.
They improved to 8-1-1 and posted their fifth shutout despite playing without one of Carl Hayden's captains, Rodrigo Silva, a center back who suffered a season-ending leg injury in a prior tournament.
“That was a huge loss,” goalkeeper Melecio Garcia said. “He was our captain, but the team learned how to step it up. We are trying to at least win a championship for him.”
Offensively, the Falcons showed off their quick passing and dribbling skills in the 11th minute to set up leading scorer Kevin Noria.
Sophomore Edwin Yepiz Mesa, one of two Falcons open near the top of the box, connected with Noria, who took care of the rest from about seven yards after dribbling into open space. The goal settled Carl Hayden down, as the team assumed control, outshooting Warren 7-5 in the first half.
Other than not firing when he had the chance, Mesa seemed to be in the rights spots throughout the match. The sophomore scored the second goal after two Warren defenders misplayed a free kick, setting up a one-on-one opportunity for Mesa with the goalkeeper.
He didn’t waste it, one-timing a well-located strike.
Carl Hayden wins its @AZSoccerShowcas opener 2-0 at Reach 11. Second goal of the game tallied after a free kick. #AZpreps365 pic.twitter.com/Y6WrlnhK2J
— Jose E. Garcia (@AZPreps365Jose) December 27, 2018
“It was a good game,” midfielder and captain Francisco Sagaste said. “We got a little pressured in the second half and lost control.”
Up next for Carl Hayden in the state’s premier regular season soccer tournament for boys and girls is Pinnacle, which opened the tourney with a 1-0 loss to Westwood.
“I think we have a good group of kids who are willing to work hard and support each other on and off the field,” Calderon said.
