Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Rogers High blanks Bentonville High
ROGERS — Senior forward Jessie Ramirez scored two goals, but the Rogers defense kept Bentonville from even getting many quality scoring chances in the Mounties’ 3-0 win Friday evening in 7A-West boys soccer at Whitey Smith Stadium.
Ramirez got a nice first touch on a ball, then blasted a shot past the Tigers keeper with 16 minutes, 47 seconds left in the first half to give Rogers all it would need.
Teammate Johan Rodriguez added another goal two minutes later, then Ramirez got another midway through the second half on a nice feed from Horacio Olivera.
Rogers (11-4, 9-2 7A-West) kept a hold on second place in the 7A-West with three matches left, but Mounties coach Steve Peck said his team played a strong team game in the win. Bentonville fell to 8-5-1 overall and 7-5 in the 7A-West.
“We played very good team soccer and we kept possession of the ball,” Peck said. “When it did come down to our end, we defended well and got the ball and worked it out instead of just kicking it . We played very good possession soccer. It was a good night.
“Right now, I think we’re peaking at the right time. After we play this next Tuesday there’s literally a week left and then there’s playoffs. I think we’re doing it at the right time.”
Peck also pointed to the play of his midfielders as a big key to his team’s success. Olivera had perfect touch on a pass to Ramirez, but that’s not unique, Peck said.
“That’s what Horacio does, he passes well,” Peck said. “He moves the ball around. He’s very good with the ball at his feet. They distribute. Alex Balderas is the best distributor I have. He’s just so smart, a step ahead of everybody. You throw on top of that Horacio who can keep the ball at his feet, passes well and moves well. The center mids are definitely our strength.”
The Mounties host Bentonville West and play at Springdale High next week, before playing at Fayetteville in a make-up match on Monday, May 8.
Rogers Heritage 3, Bentonville West 2
Pedro Garcia scored with 2:30 left in the second half to snap a 2-2 tie and help the War Eagles grab the 7A-West Conference win.
Garcia had two goals, while Errol Banuelos added another as Heritage trailed 1-0 and 2-1, before rallying for the win.
Springdale Har-Ber 4, Fayetteville 0
Esteban Fuentes found the back of the net twice as Har-Ber picked up its second win in three matches this week to improve to 10-2 in the 7A-West.
Ivan Fuentes scored for the Wildcats as well and Gerardo Tavarez added the exclamation point on a penalty kick in the second half. Har-Ber has now won 12 of its last 13 matches overall.
Har-Ber and Fayetteville each return to conference play Tuesday. The Wildcats host Van Buren while Springdale rolls into Fayetteville.
Springdale High 6, Van Buren 0
Salvador Gonzalez netted a pair of goals Friday night at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium to lead Springdale to a three-win week.
In all, five players scored for Springdale. Jessie Gomez, Danny Maldonado, Jose Vega and Jesus Barroso aided Gonzalez in the mercy-rule win. After being outscored 8-0 during its threematch losing streak prior to this week, the Red’Dogs found the net 11 times and did not allow a goal in their three wins.
Springdale opens the final week of conference play with a short trip to Fayetteville on Tuesday.