Leopards debut soccer season productively, tie 1-1 against CAC in season-opener
MALVERN — For an impressive and productive debut performance Tuesday the hometown Malvern Leopards finished with a 1-1 knot hosting the Central Arkansas Christian Mustangs to open the 2021 soccer season on David Alpe Field at Claude Mann Stadium.
The Leopards sparked in the first half and outplayed the visiting Mustangs. Malvern controlled the first half with a 1-0 lead at halftime and built momentum with confidence after a productive first half performance.
Jose Valdivia scored on a header off of a corner kick from Jesus Rodea to give Malvern the 1-0 lead for the first 40 minutes of action. While the Leopards’ defense was outstanding during the entire contest, the Mustangs slipped late in the second half in the final five minutes of action to score and tie the game 1-1.
Unfortunately, the Leopards were not able to capitalize to score in the closing seconds, but defensively kept the talented Mustangs from scoring— which resulted in a tie for the entire 80-minute contest.
Returning Malvern head soccer coach Seth Roberts witnessed some productive playmaking from the Leopards Tuesday. Roberts felt the level of intensity and their competitive presence to battle productively throughout the game really impacted team concept for a dandy match-up in senior high boys soccer action.
“CAC is a quality opponent who regularly plays for state championships. I felt like our guys came out as the aggressors and took it to them. We led the whole game (until about seven minutes left when they tied it up) and kept possession of the ball for the majority of the game,” Roberts said.
He added, “I thought we did a good job of making runs and looking for open space to make passes too. I was proud of the effort and heart we displayed. We went toe to toe with a quality opponent and outplayed them for the majority of the game.”
The Leopards season debut performance anticipates them to challenge some of the top talented ball clubs in the state this season. Despite a tie for their season-opener, Roberts looks forward to this seasons’ competition and is very pleased by their will to bring the intensity to the game.
“I’m proud of our guys and how they competed. We can’t wait to get back at it Friday against Lake Hamilton,” Roberts said.
Tonight beginning at 5 p.m. at Claude Mann Stadium, the Leopards and Lady Leopards are scheduled to host higher classification Lake Hamilton Wolves and Lady Wolves for two classic contests of senior high girls and boys soccer competition.