WINNEMUCCA - What was thought not to be a concern for the Lowry High School boys varsity soccer team is starting to become a problem.
The Buckaroos were having no trouble scoring goals at the beginning of the season, but in the past couple of weeks the shots are not hitting the back of the net like they have been.
Lowry was shut out in its last two matches against Sparks and South Tahoe. The Buckaroos were held to just one goal on Tuesday but left Fallon with a 1-1 tie against Churchill County. It was the second draw of the season between the two schools.
"We have been struggling scoring goals and that is the last thing I thought we would have a problem with," said LHS head coach Steve Swanson. "We are getting the shots and looks but just not finishing. This is the wrong time of the year not to be scoring."
Churchill County scored its lone goal midway through the first half and controlled much of the action in the first 40 minutes, according to the coach.
"Fallon had most of the possession in the first and we just started slowly," Swanson said. "We just have a tough time playing them. They are not a bad team and just came off a win against Spring Creek."
Lowry had an opportunity to tie the match late in the first half. Carlos Aguilar crossed a pass to Chris Mendoza, who headed the ball toward the net, but it was stopped by the Churchill County goalie.
"I don't know how he stopped it," Swanson said. "It was a great save."
The Buckaroos (5-5-3 Division I-A North, 10-5-3 overall) scored the equalizing goal 17 minutes into the second half on a shot by Aguilar.
According to the coach, Lowry controlled the action from there but missed out on a couple of scoring chances. Mendoza had a shot inside the 6-yard box but it went over the crossbar. The Buckaroos had a handful of additional chances but could not convert.
Churchill County moved ahead of Lowry for fourth place and the final playoff spot with a win over Fernley on Wednesday. The Greenwave have 20 points and a 6-5-3 record. Churchill County has matches with Truckee and Sparks left.
Lowry traveled to Truckee on Thursday and results were not available at press time.
The Buckaroos host Spring Creek on Thursday at 4 p.m. and travel to Elko on Friday, Nov. 1, for a 4 p.m. game. Lowry split with the teams earlier in the season.
"Fallon has the tougher road ahead of them," Swanson said. "If we can win out against Spring Creek and Elko we will be in good shape."[[In-content Ad]]
