Central and Calexico play to a standstill, 0-0
CALEXICO — A scoreless tie on Tuesday night between the Central Union and Calexico boys’ soccer teams added an interesting chapter to the ongoing rivalry between the two teams.
While neither team was able to find the back of the net while playing on the wet, muddy grass field at Ward Field, it did serve as evidence this year’s Spartan squad has what it takes to hold its own against the Bulldogs, which hasn’t lost to Central since 2014.
Well aware of Calexico’s dominance in the rivalry, CUHS head soccer coach Demian Rodiles saw Tuesday’s matchup as a proving ground for the rest of the season.
“When you come to Calexico, it’s hard no matter what year it is,” Rodiles said. “They’ve been a great team for years. They’ve been in the finals for Div. I and Div. II in two of the last three years. They’re always a powerhouse in IVL, and to come in here and get a tie, I’m proud of my boys.”
On the opposite side of the pitch, CHS head soccer coach Javier Bernal was rather disappointed in his team’s performance, as the Bulldogs entered the game with an overall record of 2-1-1, built on four tough road games against San Diego teams.
“I thought it was a very ugly game,” Bernal said. “I didn’t see us functioning well tonight. We played better in San Diego. We played better in turf, so our field doesn’t help us. They had their game plan, too, so it worked for them, but it didn’t work for us.”
The Bulldogs’ patchy field didn’t hinder their chances too much, as they were able to complete more shots on goal than the Spartans.
“I just wanted the game plan to work, but it didn’t work,” Bernal said. “It was one of those days where the ball didn’t go in. On top of that, we didn’t click with the practice that we’ve done on the field.”
One of the more nerve-wracking moments in the game came in the first half. While Calexico’s forward Alex Serrano was within the penalty area, Central’s goalkeeper Nathan Santana attempted to charge for the ball. Serrano juked Santana and took a clear shot at the net, yet hit just over the post.
In the final minutes of the game, Central was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty box, which was taken by forward Vasilio Syrengelas.
While it was a powerful, accurate shot, Calexico goalkeeper Arad Lopez kept it in front of himself.
“It just didn’t go our way tonight,” Rodiles said. “We had our chances, we just didn’t put it in the net. I think if we keep playing the way we did, with heart and with hard work, I think we’re going to have a really good season.”
Tuesday’s tie resulted in Central’s record moving to 4-2-2.
The Bulldogs are set to play next at 6 p.m. Thursday against Palo Verde Valley High in Blythe, while the Spartans are set to play at 9:30 a.m. Saturday against Olympia High in Chula Vista.
Calexico and Central will face each other twice more this season, Jan. 17 and Jan 18.