VC boys JV challenge St. Francis - 1/13

Valley Christian 0, St. Francis 0

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Serra, VC once again faced the team it lost to 3-1 to begin league play in December. This time the Warriors were determined to have a much different outcome against St. Francis…and they did. Unfortunately the only goal of the game, put in by VC, was disallowed by a surprising call by the referee. Newly returned midfield veteran David Yun bent a perfect free kick around the wall and into the upper V of the St. Francis goal for what appeared to be a brilliant goal. But the referee waived it off saying it was an indirect kick, although he had signaled a direct kick. The Lancers were given a goal kick despite strong protest from coach McElhatton over what would prove to be the loss of a game-winning goal..

Despite the bitter taste of scoring and then losing a goal, the Warriors went back to work and increased their intensity and pressure throughout the game, playing with great heart and character in what was their best all-around effort of the year. They certainly deserved the win even if it was not to be had.

The first half was a pretty even game, with both VC and St. Francis challenging each others’ goals, with the Lancers taking more shots at and on goal, repeatedly threatening the VC goal. Just as often those attacks were turned into Warriors counter attacks as the boys played with intensity, determined to put in another goal and take the lead.

VC keeper Nick Neilsen was on fire once again, never allowing anything to get by him, turning away the St. Francis attack and sprinting off his line when necessary to clear dangerous balls or scoop them up. It was another fine effort by the novice goalkeeper who played the entire game, with fellow keeper Theo Matheous still recovering from injuries.

On the other side of the field VC forwards Ryan Favre and Nick Reyes moved the ball and attacked ferociously. Nick Reyes played a superb game on both offense and defense, continually disrupting the Lancers when they had the ball, and nearly scoring as he fought to win the ball and attack the goal. Reyes was an inspiration up front and kept the Lancers defense on their heels all day.

The Warrior defensive unit played a solid and inspired game, despite limitations to Sweeper Tyler Seaman who was still nursing a high ankle sprain and had to come out of the game once again. Robert Norman, Mike Hill and Tyler Seaman, along with Kyle Rosa did a solid job plugging up the middle in front of the goal. The midfielders controlled the game, with another solid performance by Josh Rothenberg and Nick Reyes on the right side. This was a complete team effort and an inspired defensive performance. Unfortunately the offensive line could not find the back of the goal, despite quality attacks and good shots.

A well-played game that would not be a loss, but would not be the win the Warriors had earned either. Despite the early goal being taken away, coach McElhatton was pleased with his player’s performance and looking forward to traveling to San Francisco to take on St. Ignaitus on Saturday.

vcsoccer.com man of the match: Nick Reyes

VC Starting Lineup: Neilsen, Norman, Seaman, Williamson, Rothenberg, Hughes, Yun, Garrison, Walitsch, Favre, Reyes. 

Weather: Cloudy  51 degrees