Weiser boys soccer looking to improve on early losses

The Weiser High School boys’ varsity soccer team opened its first week of play with two non-conference games, taking a 4-0 loss in Ontario on Thursday, Aug. 25, and coming within 30 seconds of hanging on to a 1-1 tie in Saturday’s faceoff against Sun Valley Community School, taking a 2-1 loss.

 In Thursday’s action, Ontario scored two in the first half and another two in the second, while blocking Weiser’s scoring efforts with a mass of Tiger defenders in front of the goal.

 In an after game discussion, Coach Kathy Bokides commended her players for their hard work.

 “It’s games like this that we learn what we need to work on,” she said. 

 After Saturday’s game, team captain Brian Munoz said the team had used Friday’s practice to focus on and correct mistakes made in the Ontario game.

 “No one likes to lose,” he said. “We learned from the mistakes in the first game, and now we just need to work a little more and start getting some wins.”

 Munoz scored the first goal against Sun Valley after 35 minutes, receiving a long goal kick from Weiser keeper Diego Degaldillo. Munoz went to the right side, crossing the ball into the net behind the Sun Valley goalie, putting Weiser ahead 1-0 at the end of the half.

 The Cutthroats tied the score 13 minutes into the second half. Both teams upped their defensive strategies, keeping play in the middle of the field for most of the half.

 With 30 seconds left on the clock, Sun Valley found an opening on the right side of the goal box, sending the ball in for a second goal and the last-minute win.

 Delgaldillo had seven saves and one assist against the Cutthroats, with Weiser kicking five shots on goal.

 Weiser will travel to Fruitland to face the Grizzlies for a conference matchup on Thursday, Sept. 1. They will meet Ontario again at home on Tuesday, Sept. 6.