Like most of the sports in the Division I-A North, there is no clear-cut favorite that will run away with the league title. That can be said for boys soccer this season.
Lowry High School opened its league slate of games on Tuesday night in Winnemucca against Churchill County. The Buckaroos had good looks at the net in the first half, but gave up two goals in the final six minutes of the opening half and could not overcome the deficit, losing 3-1.
"We played better and showed more energy than we did last weekend in Spring Creek," said LHS coach Steve Swanson. "The biggest thing is that were are not getting the 50/50 free ball and that cost us today. We gave up those goals late and couldn't recover. Sergio (Lopez) was suffering from a migraine and was having trouble seeing the ball in goal. Looking back, I probably shouldn't have put him out there."
Jordan Diaz and Roberto Sanchez fired off strong shots for the Buckaroos in the 19th and 29th minute, respectively, only to see the shots just miss. Churchill County broke on to the scoreboard in the 34th minute with a shot to the corner of the net when Lowry could not clear the ball. The Greenwave added a second goal five minutes later.
Churchill County scored five minutes in to the second half off a short kick to the midfield by Lowry, leaving the goal open. Lowry continued to have opportunities come its way, as Homero Esquivel just missed a header off a corner kick in the 52nd minute. The Buckaroos finally broke through three minutes later when Jesus Escobedo scored off a throw in.
Lowry (1-3 overall. 0-1 Division I-A North) increased the pressure from there but could not cut the deficit further. Kevin Blanco had a shot go high of the net in the 64th minute. Orlando Pardini, who replaced Lopez in goal had two late stops to keep the advantage at 3-1.
"We played with a sense of urgency in the second half," Swanson said. "They got that third goal and we dropped off for a minute and that is going to happen. But, we picked it up right away and got back in the game. The guys played their butts off in the final 20 minutes. We had our chances. I like the enthusiasm and effort. There are a few things to work on. Our defense is fast, but the experience is not there and that will come with more games."
Lowry started its season last weekend at the Spring Creek Jamboree. The Buckaroos faced league rival Elko on Friday, Sept. 5, and lost 4-1. The Indians began the scoring in the 11th minute on a penalty kick. Lowry tied the game in the 27th minute of a shot by Sanchez.
Elko broke the match open with three quick goals in the second half and they maintained that advantage to the end.
Lowry picked up its first win of the season in a 4-1 victory over Fernley. The Buckaroos scored three times in the first half, two of those by Escobedo. Ivan Sepulveda also scored in the first half. Homero Esquivel added Lowry's fourth goal in the second half.
The Buckaroos concluded the tournament last Saturday with an 8-0 loss to Jerome. Jerome led 2-0 at halftime, but scored six times in the second half.
"We had our good moments and bad moments in Spring Creek," said the coach. "We held our own against Elko, except for a 10 minute stretch in the second half. We did some good things against Fernley, but it just fell apart against Jerome."
Lowry hits the road Saturday to play Dayton at noon. The Buckaroos face Sparks and Truckee next week.
"We will probably do some different things Saturday in Dayton, but we need to get a win," Swanson said. "We can't slip up. We have a tough week ahead of us with Sparks and Truckee."[[In-content Ad]]
