Fast start propels Hawks to district win over Cougars
Rogers scores three goals in 26 minutes for Volcano Vista
The Volcano Vista boys soccer team is treating the 2016 season as one of redemption. So far, so good. Larsen Rogers had a hat trick in the first 26 minutes, and the Hawks doubled up visiting Cibola 4-2 in an early showdown game in District 1-6A on Wednesday afternoon.
Rogers scored less than a minute into the game, and also added goals in the 10th and 26th minutes as Volcano Vista (7-3-1, 2-0) took over first place in district from the Cougars (7-5, 2-1).
“We took advantages of our opportunities and that’s good,” said Volcano Vista coach Billy Thiebaut. “That was the difference, the pressure we put on their back line.”
The Hawks have been stewing for nearly the entire last year after failing to even reach the Class 6A postseason a year ago.
“Not making the state tournament last year has them playing with a chip on their shoulder,” Thiebaut said.
They have opened league play with victories over Rio Rancho and Cibola, and still have 12-2 Cleveland coming up soon.
Rogers, a junior midfielder, was a havoc creator for that Cougar defense Wednesday.
Before anyone had a chance to settle in, he provided the Hawks an early edge.
Stevie Pina’s initial shot deflected off the Cibola goalkeeper, but Rogers was there to put home the rebound for a shocking start.
Nine minutes later, Larsen gathered a through ball from Tyler Cole. From about 12 yards out, he went low into the far corner for a 2-0 lead.
Benjamin Rogers, from Mike Berlint, allowed Cibola to slice the Volcano Vista lead in half in the 16th minute.
But the Hawks quickly added two more goals and padded their advantage before halftime.
Just after Cibola was looking for a foul in the box, the Hawks quickly countered, with Cole sending a long through ball. Junior forward Zach Lemasters caught up with it, outran two Cougar defenders and went near post for a 3-1 lead in the 18th minute. It was his team-leading eighth of the season.
Eight minutes later, Larsen completed the hat trick, again with a helper from Pina. It is the Hawks’ forwards, led by Pina, Adrian Kowalski and Lemasters, that have spearheaded this strong first half for Volcano Vista, which has utilized its speed this season.
“They really do put a lot of pressure on the defense,” Thiebaut said.
Matt Berlint had Cibola’s second goal, late in the second half.