Following a two-game skid where they went scoreless and allowed five goals, the Orestimba High School men’s soccer team went 2-2 overall in four matches over the weekend. Orestimba are now 3-6-1 for the season, making this the team’s worst start through the first 10 games since the 2019-2020 season where they also had the […]
Following a two-game skid where they went scoreless and allowed five goals, the Orestimba High School men’s soccer team went 2-2 overall in four matches over the weekend.
Orestimba are now 3-6-1 for the season, making this the team’s worst start through the first 10 games since the 2019-2020 season where they also had the same record.
While the Warriors’ slow start to the season may seem concerning, senior midfielder Emilo Navarro believes the team will eventually find chemistry with their new players.
“We have a lot of players who are just finally settling in their new positions and with this new year, we came out with a new formation,” Navarro said.
Orestimba participated in the 43rd Annual Ripon Christian Jerry Terpsma Boy’s Soccer Classic on Friday and Saturday. In the team’s opening match in the tournament, the Warriors fell short in a 2-1 nailbiter against Bradshaw Christian on Friday.
After a tightly contested first half, both teams were tied 1-1 heading into the second half. Much of the half showcased a similar outing as Orestimba and Bradshaw Christian struggled to get halfway past the field, missing open shot attempts at goal and not converting on second-chance opportunities.
Near the end of the match, it seemed that either team couldn’t score. However, Bradshaw Christian seized an opportunity to get ahead late.
After dribbling past multiple Orestimba defenders past the right field, Bradshaw Christian’s sophomore Jackson Haviland kicked the ball towards the left corner of the goalbox where he found senior Eros Amarente who scored a header for the game-clinching goal.
Following the loss, Orestimba ended their run in the annual tournament by splitting their matches against Analy High School and Argonaut High School.
The Warriors lost 3-1 against Analy in their first game Saturday, losing their second consecutive game to the them since last season.
Analy was in control of the match from the beginning, ending the first half with a 2-0 lead. Despite Orestimba scoring a goal in the second half, Analy responded with their own goal as they secured their second win of the season.
After losing earlier in the day, the Warriors concluded their weekend by winning a penalty shootout against Argonaut High School following a 3-3 draw at the end of regulation.
Orestimba came out aggressive in the first half as they took a 2-0 lead into the second half. Trailing at the half, Argonaut would come back in the game thanks to junior midfielder Edison Nhek. Nhek scored a hat-trick to give Argonaut a chance for their first win of the season. Despite a resilient second-half effort from Argonaut, Orestimba won their penalty shootout, 7-6.
Before their game against Gustine High School last Thursday, Orestimba had won the last two meetings with the Reds. Thursday’s match extended that streak to three after the Warriors won 7-4.
Throughout the first half, both teams went back and forth. From players playing tight defense to scoring goals at a much-needed time, this is expected in a rivalry game. After Gustine converted a penalty kick to tie the game, senior forward Angel Ibarra scored the final goal of the half to give Orestimba a 3-2 lead heading into the second half.
In the opening minute of the second half, the Warriors scored another goal to extend their lead 4-2. Gustine responded with their own to cut the deficit back to one. However, this was their final point of the game as Orestimba later netted three consecutive goals to win.
With more than two games remaining until the start of Trans Valley League play, the Warriors will look to finish their non-league schedule on a high note.
Orestimba will host Johansen High School on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
