Rome open region play with a 2-1 win over Villa Rica

Rome soccer opened Region 7- 5A play with purpose, beating Villa Rica 2-1 at Barron Stadium Tuesday.

Angel Morrente led off Rome’s scoring with a goal in the 25th minute, but Villa Rica scored on a penalty kick two minutes later. But the Wolves (3-3, 1-0 7-5A) finished in s t yle as Erick Luna scored, assisted by Morrente, with two minutes left in regulation.

Rome outshot Villa Rica 11-4, thanks partially to Rome defenders like Cooper Williams, Carlos Jimenez, Cade Graham and Dio Perez. Goalkeeper Grant Chambers added three saves.

Phoenix make quick work of Haralson County in region opener

The Phoenix opened their region schedule with a statement home win on Tuesday night, earning the victory in less than one half before the mercy rule was forced.

Alexander Soldevilla led the way with four goals for Sonoraville (42- 1, 1- 0). Dawson Holbrook and Maurilio Segura each had two goals, and Kevin Villatoro and Tate Moore added a goal apiece. Villatoro was also the ultimate distributor with an incredibly seven assists.

Omar Jacobo had two assists, and Yorlin Piedrasanta added one. Adam Schwarts and Lane Moore combined for the shutout in goal.

The Pepperell Dragons tied Darlington 2-2 in a back- and- forth battle Thursday at Darlington, giving both teams their first draw of the year.

Pepperell (2-1-1) jumped out 1-0 early with a goal from Alejo Santillan, but Darlington (2-3-1) soon countered with a goal from Jack Pearson.

Slamon Ghani scored late in the half to put the Dragons up 2- 1 at the break.

Darlington tied the game in the next half with a goal off of a corner kick. Pepperell goalie Rigo Mandujano was still able to record four saves for the game.

The Lady Phoenix scored early and often on Tuesday to open their region schedule with a dominant mercy- rule shortened victory.

Leading the way offensively for Sonoraville (51, 1-0) was Avery Hamilton with three goals. Deya Irick, Kirsten Young and Prissilla Arambul each had a goal and an assist, and Bailey Brewer, Cheyenne Cloud, Madaline Roddy, Maggie Hamilton and Hazel Trujillo added one goal each.

Haralson County’s lone goal game on a penalty kick before the game was called in the 49th minute thanks to Sonoraville’s 10-goal lead.