El Dorado enjoying solid start to season
A week before spring break and El Dorado boys’ soccer coach Rex Hayes isn’t complaining about where his team stands. Even after a 6-0 loss to reigning 6A state champion Conway, Hayes said the Wildcats’ 3-0-1 league record is about what he anticipated.
“I think of all the ways our season could’ve been scheduled, ours with relatively lighter opponents at the beginning and then after spring break, it gets progressively tougher,” he said.
“Our build-up play is looking good. We’re moving the ball well, switching the field. We’re able to play throughout the middle-third really well. We’re struggling with scoring, right now. That’s what we’ve been working on. It’s just that final third. Once we get the ball down there, what can we do with it? Just being creative, not being afraid to go and attack with numbers is what we’re struggling with at the moment.”
El Dorado has two wins over Pine Bluff, beat White Hall and tied the Bulldogs 1-1 on the road. The Wildcats host Sheridan on Tuesday and travel to the Yellowjackets on Friday.
Last week’s quick dip into non-conference action was an eye-opener against the Wampus Cats.
“I knew they were going to be tough. It was a great gauge for our guys to see what level a 6A fresh off a state championship looks like. How well oiled they are,” said Hayes. “We always talk about being switched on or making sure you’re always engaged in the game, paying attention. Those are the types of teams that punish you when you’re not focused.”
Conway scored on a corner kick and showed expertise on free kicks and throw-ins, bringing relentless offensive attacks.
“We knew they were going to be good at set pieces, which is something we’ve not been punished on recently,” Hayes said. “I think it primed us for, the next little cycle of practices are going to include a lot more throw-ins, set pieces, things like that.
“We had a practice (Sunday) and all the boys came up, kind of in awe of what they were able to do with their set pieces, what they
were able to do with their throw-ins and excited about learning and applying what we've seen. I think, overall, it's a positive. It was a very tough game.”
Offensively, El Dorado couldn't much of a challenge against the Wampus Cats. The experience should help the team, though, especially it likely won't play a better team this season.
“I think we reacted well. It didn't change the score line but I think the boys took it well enough,” Hayes said. “Yeah, obviously we would've liked to have scored one goal or looked a little more threatening going forward. But I think they just realized how good teams can be. Now I think every opponent we see thereafter is going to seem beatable.”
The Wildcats will turn their focus back to the 5A South race for the state tournament. Every game will be important, starting with the Yellowjackets.
“We can't afford to lose points with anyone. So, yeah, it's a pretty big game, especially going into spring break,” said Hayes. “We want to make sure we leave in a good place and, hopefully, get a few quality practices in at the end of spring break to get ready for the second half."