Prep Impressions: Dec. 13, 2010
I covered the Riverside Arlington-Moreno Valley Valley View boys varsity soccer match for The Press-Enterprise on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010, and came away thinking Arlington was caught, fatally, by Valley View’s aggressiveness in the second half.
Arlington completely out-played Valley View in the first half, creating more quality chances (5-2) and meaningful possession. The Lions were a very confident team during halftime. They were boisterous and energetic, and their aim was more of the same.
The Eagles were slow to react, had trouble linking passes in the first half (forwards Alex Turkson and Miguel Hernandez combined to link 12 of 20 passes attempts) and had their ear chewed off by their coach, John Kush, at halftime. They were a very quiet bunch, but the match was scoreless, so they didn’t have much to lament or celebrate either way.
Led by Turkson, Hernandez and Daniel Roman, the Eagles got into the attack quickly, and scored on their first opportunity of the second half. Valley View had broken through. Arlington was bewildered.
Lions’ coach Kevin Watson openly questioned the decision not to call offside, as Turkson clearly appeared to be in an advantageous position. The referee firmly denied Turkson was off, and that was the end of the conversation. Lots of slumped shoulders on the Alrington sideline.
The referees had made the decision to benefit the attacking team, and Valley View did not stop to question the call. The Eagles put the ball in the back of the net and let everyone else sort it out.
Arlington’s play never intensified to meet the challenge, and the result reflected that effort. The Lions were still jogging to loose balls and throw-ins into the 60th minute. Clearly, they were shell-shocked.
Then, in the 72nd minute, Hernandez found another hole in Arlington’s shocked shell and put the match away. It was a highlight-reel goal. The sort of play that leaves an observer wanting more.
ON MIGUEL HERNANDEZ: He isn’t strong enough to fight throw tough tackles and gets lost when he’s not going 1-v-1 out on the wing or feinting a fullback in an attempt to get into the box. He doesn’t play tough defense and is passing is suspect. Or more simply, he’s a forward. He isn’t in the play, mentally or physically, if he isn’t on the ball, on the attack.
Arlington’s Manuel Espinoza had two scoring chances, including a header that hit the left post and bounced back out, in the last 12 minutes. The Lions left fullback, now coming forward on every possession, placed himself near the far post where he had two prime opportunities that were very nearly cashed in if not for the woodwork and a tremendous save from Valley View keeper Victor Silva.
It was a sound match. Both teams played the game in the manner it should be played. Valley View has a stronger, more experienced side, and showed it in the second half.
QUOTES FORTHCOMING FROM:
Arlington coach Kevin Watson
Valley View coach John Kush
Valley View junior Alex Turkson
INLAND FIELDHOUSE 