Moses Lake can't convert opportunities in loss to Lewis and Clark
Connor Vanderweyst/Columbia Basin Herald Moses Lake forward Anthony Cortez dribbles past a Lewis and Clark defender Tuesday at Lions Field.
MOSES LAKE — The progress hasn’t translated to the win column, yet, but there has been gradual improvement for Moses Lake boys soccer since the start of the season.
Although Moses Lake could not score, its attack tested Lewis and Clark in a 2-0 loss.
Tuesday’s result was the third 2-0 loss in a row to a Greater Spokane League team.
“There’s a lot to learn from,” head coach Richie Ramirez said. “Such an inexperience group together, it’s showing our weaknesses, but at the same time these boys got a lot of drive to improve. So, I’m glad we’ve had these three non-league games. It shows we can compete with the best.”
Moses Lake nearly broke through early in the first half, but a goal by Erik Vega was called back due to offsides.
Lewis and Clark promptly responded in the 16th minute when Jasper Rush went top shelf to beat Moses Lake goalkeeper Jesus Santoyo. Rush was fed the ball right in front of the goal mouth and fired a shot into the top left corner, past Santoyo’s outstretched arms.
The Chiefs searched for the equalizer throughout the first half.
Erik Shaporda attempted a lengthy free kick that sailed high; Anthony Cortez missed a rolling shot just left of the far post off a short pass from Tyrell Garza.
With so many new faces on varsity, a potent offense will take time.
“I think it’s just getting the trust, getting the chemistry,” Ramirez said. “I think it’s just the vibe that they have right now.”
The Tigers added an insurance goal in the 51st minute from Robert Dunlap.
Moses Lake had sporadic opportunities in the second half, none ending in a goal.
Garza fired a shot that ricocheted Lewis and Clark keeper John Zylak’s body. Near the end of the game, Cortez drew a foul and took a free kick that was once again saved by Zylak.
“I thought we actually outplayed Lewis and Clark for the majority of the game,” Ramirez said. “Just to see the amount of shots that were going towards their goal, unfortunately none of them went in.
“I’m very enthused with the amount of attacking we got at this point.”
Score by halves
LC — 1 1 2
ML — 0 0 0
Scoring
13: Jasper Rush (LC)
51: Robert Dunlap (LC)