Sonoraville showcases focus in region win over Colts
Phoenix earn shutout victory: Lady Phoenix stay unbeaten in 6-AAA
Since dropping a tough one to North Murray a few weeks ago that put a dent in their region title hopes, the Sonoraville boys have made it their top priority to take advantage of every single remaining game on their schedule.
They continued that focus on Tuesday night as they dominated Coahulla Creek for their sixth straight win thanks to some shutdown defense and relentless pressure with their offensive attack. The Phoenix had five different players put the ball in the back of the net as they earned a 6-0 home victory.
Sonoraville coach Hector Holguin said his team continued their strong play of late on Tuesday night as they want to make the most of each opportunity.
“North Murray is a great team, but we missed several chances in that game,” said Holguin. “It’s almost the same as the Dawson County game earlier in the season where we outshoot someone, but just can’t finish a lot of goals. Our main focus since then is to finish. We did that tonight at times, but we still left some goals out there. Not finishing could possibly cost us a region title so we’ve got to finish from here on out to give ourselves a chance.”
Sonoraville ( 10- 41, 7-1) got started early on Tuesday against the Colts with Alexander Soldevilla shooting one past the keeper for a goal in the second minute. Dawson Holbrook added the second goal in the fifth minute on a header that he directed in off a long throw-in from Kevin Villatoro.
The Phoenix kept the pressure on, and Villatoro added a goal of his own in the 13th minute on a free kick from about 30 yards away. Omar Jacobo scored the final goal of the first half in the 32nd minute off another Villatoro assist to give his team a 4-0 lead at the break.
Sonoraville maintained possession for much of the second half as well and were able to add two more goals. Jonathan Torres scored off a rebound in the 50th minute, and Jacobo added his second goal in the 59th minute. They had a few near misses that could’ve made the score even more lopsided, including a penalty kick that Alex Macias struck with ferocity before it narrowly missed by striking the crossbar.
Holguin said his team has taken the tools they already had and built an even more diverse attack by incorporating more passing.
“Last year we relied on athleticism and speed, and throughout the summer and offseason we’ve continued to get faster and more aggressive,” said Holguin. “We’ve combined that with better passing and patience, and I think that helps us wear people down. The passing is the toughest part of it, but we’ve been able to use it to become an even better team.”
Sonoraville’s defense kept the shutout in the win, including a couple impressive saves from goalkeeper Lane Moore, who stepped into the starting role for regular starter Adam Schwartz, who will miss a couple weeks with an ankle injury he suffered recently. Holguin said having guys that can step in and pick up the slack when they are needed is a great asset to have.
“Our starters and upperclassmen have done a phenomenal job, but we have to start preparing for when they leave to have folks ready,” said Holguin. “Or you never know when somebody’s going to go down with an injury. Just like today, Lane came in and did a great job in goal. We need to have guys that are ready because you never know when you’re going to need them.”
The Phoenix honored their six seniors prior to the game as part of Senior Night festivities. Those honored included Villatoro, Jacobo, Macias, Tate Moore, Jonathan Soldevilla and Jonathan Torres. Holguin said the group has been a big part of helping the Phoenix program get to another level.