It was difficult to keep track of Wilson’s first half chances against Jordan in the Moore League match at Wilson High on Monday afternoon. But it was easy to count the goals, because the Bruins only netted one in the opening half. However, it was all a moot point in the 48th and 49th minute when Wilson (5-1-2) scored twice to put it out of reach, 3-1.
The clash of strategy was apparent early as the Bruins worked hard to maintain defensive shape and push up on the Panthers, while Jordan waited patiently for the perfect counter attack opportunity where they could use their pace to beat the physical Wilson defense.
In the 6th minute, Jordan (5-3-1) got that opportunity on a quick restart. Forward Jesse Castaneda took the ball across the zone toward the corner flag, and then stopped suddenly at the top of the box. His cracking shot looked like it was headed to the top shelf, but Wilson goaltender Javier Torres elevated and adjusted mid-air to make the switch-handed save.
That would be the best scoring opportunity for the Panthers in the first half because the ball was in their zone for the majority of the 40 minutes. The Bruins put pressure on with good patient play from forwards Brian Arguello and Carlos Quinones, and nice crosses on set pieces from Ricardo Alvarado.
After misplaying a ball in the air on a great chance, defender Tanner Perkins made up for it with an emphatic header in the 33rd minute. Off a corner from Alvarado, Arguello met the ball at the back post and sent it into the goalmouth, where Perkins was making a perfect run.
“I was disappointed in 1-0 at half,” said Wilson coach Mark Hervin. “With so many quality chances, I’m happy. But when it should be 3-0 or 4-0, it gives them life and keeps them in it.”
Jordan took advantage, and netted the equalizer just five minutes into the second half. Castaneda took a pass from Armando Cervantes near the end line. The senior made a nice move and gave it back to Cervantes, who sent a beautiful low cross into the box. Alberto Reynoso was there to meet the ball and his header leveled the contest. But only for a few minutes.
Three minutes later, Wilson quickly answered when Hunter Campbell’s volley bounced hard off of the cross bar. Tony Gonzales was there to meet the rebound, but Jordan keeper Omar Castillo punched it out. Mohan Singhal sent it back into the goalmouth, and Alverado put it away for what proved to be the game winner. A minute later, Perkins added his second goal of the afternoon on another nice pass from Arguello, his second assist.
Jordan suffered in the second half due to thin ranks, and it was obvious that their pace was less effective as the game got longer.
Wilson’s victory sets up a game to grab hold second place in the Moore League when they travel to Cabrillo on Wednesday at 2pm. The two teams played to a 1-1 tie a few weeks ago, and the rematch should be a fantastic display of the beautiful game. We’ll see you there!