Wahluke beats Connell

MATTAWA - Wahluke High School continues to have one of the top soccer programs in the state, climbing back to the top of the SCAC East standings after an initial loss to Royal three weeks back.

The Warriors knocked off previously unbeaten Connell, 2-0, last week to extend their winning streak to three matches and move into a first-place tie with Connell and Royal, all with 3-1 records.

Today, Royal and Wahluke will start the second half of the SCAC East season at Wahluke. It will be the lone game of the week for the Warriors.

Combined with a 7-0 defeat of Kiona-Benton and 2-0 conquest of Naches, Wahluke's season record has improved to 8-1-2.

Wahluke outplayed Connell the width and length of the field. The Eagles had speed and good passing, but they could not solve the Warrior defense, especially that of Juan Leo Bravo.

Bravo, an outside defender, thwarted every attempt the Eagles made to pass through his domain. When he was moved the middle because of an injury, he continued the stellar play. He was awarded the game ball.

"He joined the attack a few times, but he always got back when he needed to," coach Arthur DeVictoria said.

Connell was limited to six shots on goal. They were all stopped by keeper Ulysses Gonzalez. Wahluke had 11 shots on goal. Eagle goalies made nine stops.

It was a tight game for 31 minutes, with each team taking a couple of shots. Wahluke broke though in the 32nd minute with a team-play goal.

Angel Cruz booted a corner kick to Hermilo Catalpa in front of the goal, and Catalpa re-directed the ball to the left corner of the net with his foot. There was heavy traffic, but Catalpa found the opening he needed. The ball sizzled like a hockey puck.

"It was fast, very fast," DeVictoria said.

Wahluke added an insurance goal in the 66th minute. Emmanuel Hidalgo dribbled the ball down the left side of the field toward the east goal. When the defender committed to his attack, he centered a pass to Brian Contreras, and Contreras shot the ball passed the right side of the keeper.

The contest with Ki-Be went as expected. The Bears just can't seem to get a game going in the tough SCAC East.

The scores for Wahluke were by:

• Eduardo Valdenea, assist by Luis Veloz.
• Emmanuel Hidalgo, assist Eduardo Valdenea.
• Brian Contreras, assist Emmanuel Hidalgo.
• Faustino Dominguez.
• Angel Cruz unassisted.
• Emmanuel Hidalgo, assist Luis Vaca.
• Eduardo Valdenea, assist Luis Veloz.

Naches took no shots on goal Saturday, but the Rangers were tough defensively, shutting out the Warriors for 57 minutes.

"They are hard to break down," DeVictoria said. "They are a pretty good team."

Wahluke broke through in the 58th minute with a goal from about 18 yards by Tony Espindola. He was assisted by Hidalgo.

In the 74th minute, Brandon Anaya deposited a pass from Valdenea. Nelbi Badillo backed that up a few minutes later converting a pass from Angel Cruz.

Wahluke took 16 shots on goal.