By Justin Hsieh and Karen Phan, Staff Writers
This afternoon, the undefeated boys’ varsity soccer team went head-to-head against the Kennedy High School Fighting Irish in their third preseason game and emerged victorious with a final score of 2-0.
The first half started in the Barons’ favor as they gained immediate possession of the ball and pressured the opposition. An early attempt from sophomore forward Malachi Wright was the only offense the Barons could generate as the Fighting Irish took control and began to dictate the tempo of the game. Kennedy had several attempts to score, but could not overcome the Barons’ solid defense.
Fountain Valley eventually secured the ball and pushed farther up towards Kennedy’s goal. The Barons were awarded with a penalty kick after senior forward Andre Nguyen tripped inside the penalty box. Wright took the kick and sunk the ball into the opposition’s net.
From there, the Barons lost momentum and the game proceeded at a stalemate. Fountain Valley and Kennedy continuously battled for the ball, but neither were able to dominate the rest of the half. Kennedy’s attackers were able to penetrate the Baron’s defense several times, but they were unable to score a goal, ending the first half with a score of 1-0.
Kennedy started the second half strong and attempted to score against the Barons within the first five minutes, but senior goalkeeper David Barber managed to protect the goal. Fountain Valley gained possession of the ball again and surged up the field, where sophomore Sebastian Rus drove the ball into Kennedy’s goal on a free kick, bringing the score up to 2-0.
Again, the Barons appeared to lose energy after scoring, and Kennedy took advantage of this by responding aggressively. Kennedy created multiple chances to shoot against the Barons, but key saves from Barber prevented any goals from being scored.
“We defended better as a team today, and the goalies made some great saves,” said Head Coach Jason Smith. “We just need to be sharper; we need a little bit more energy. Offensively, I think we need to just keep doing what we’re doing.”
Toward the end of the second half, the Barons picked up their pace and dominated the rest of the game. They played more offensively and attempted many near goals, but fell short. Despite relentless pressure from the opposing defense, Fountain Valley finished strong with a score of 2-0 against Kennedy.
“We got our first shutout of the year, which is a good sign. I think going into the game our goal was to get a shutout, and we accomplished that,” said Smith. “We just need to be a little tougher because it’s going to be tough going up against Santa Ana and getting a win; they’re one of the top teams around.”
The Barons will face Santa Ana High School on their turf this Friday. Support them there or at home as they face off against Orange Lutheran High School on Monday at 3 p.m.
