By Justin Hsieh and Karen Phan, Staff Writers
Earlier today, the boys’ varsity soccer team played a harrowing game against Los Alamitos High School and defeated the Griffins with a close score of 2-1.
The first half started with the Griffins’ early possession of the ball as they surged toward the Baron’s goal and had several near goal attempts. Despite relentless pressure from the Griffin attackers, the Barons’ defense prevented any goals from being made and eventually cleared the ball out of their half.
Upon securing the ball, Fountain Valley began to push up the field and pressure Los Alamitos. The Barons engaged in a long, drawn-out battle with the Griffins’ defense. Junior Dakota Whitsel scored the first goal in the 20th minute of the game.
The Griffins responded aggressively to the Barons’ goal and gained immediate control of the ball. Los Alamitos scored against the Barons in the 23rd minute, bringing the score to 1-1. After the Griffins’ goal, both teams were at an impasse, with back-and-forth drives and multiple goal attempts.
The second half opened slowly, with the Griffins dominating the continued back-and-forth action but failing to close on any opportunities. They maintained this offensive pressure until junior Conor Wright made a breakaway and was fouled immediately before attempting a shot on the opposition’s goal. Sophomore Sebastian Rus took the penalty kick and scored the Barons’ second goal, putting the Barons at a 2-1 lead in the last ten minutes of the game.
“I think we did well just sustaining pressure, and then not giving them easy opportunities. It definitely wasn’t one of our best games. [We could’ve used] more intensity and more energy, some better effort,” said head coach Jason Smith.
Although the Griffins attempted to even out the score, regaining the ball and making several close goal attempts, they either missed or were foiled by the Barons’ defense, which managed to lock the Griffins out until the end of the game.
“It wasn’t the feeling that we normally have, but we’re 7-1 and we’re moving in a positive direction, right? We didn’t play our best today, but we got a result. They’re a solid team, so it was a good game for us,” said Smith.
The Barons will play Edison High School at home on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Come support them against the Chargers at 3 p.m.
