By Greg Perkins
The Holbrook boys’ soccer team has gotten off to a rough start with three losses to open the season. In their past two games, the Birds fell to Northland Prep last Tuesday, then were shut out two days later by the Cou-gars in Show Low.
Against Northland Holbrook came up short in a 3-1 decision. Northland opened the scoring in the first half at the nine minute mark with a goal up the middle. At the 22 minute mark the Roadrunners defense yielded the second goal. Late in the first half a third goal was scored by NPA.
“The first 40 minutes was a difficult half for us. The second half we played with more passion and did not give up a goal,” said Coach Dave Wright.
Andy Leon dribbled up the middle to score the Roadrunners’ only goal of the afternoon.
“This was our first game without co-captain Jesse Spangler, a four-year starter, who tore his ACL and will be having surgery to repair it. His presence on the field was missed. Freshman James Ramirez gave us a spark in the second half at forward. Nate Turley had an overall solid game at center defender,” added the coach.
Tuesday, in a lightning delayed game, Holbrook lost to Show Low 7-0. The Roadrunners fell behind early, allowing three goals in the first seven minutes of the game.
Carlos Quintana made some fine saves, but had too much pressure and shots on goal to keep the game close.
“In games of this kind it is critical for us to evaluate our performance, learn from the game and apply what we have learned in future games,” concluded Coach Wright.
Holbrook’s match with Blue Ridge, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed to a later date. After hosting Northland Prep on Tuesday, the Roadrunners will compete this weekend at the Show Low Tour-nament, with games slated on both Friday and Saturday.
They return to league play on Thursday, Sept. 20, with a road match at Payson. The Roadrunners were 0-3 on the season heading into this week’s action.
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