Prep Impressions: Dec. 23, 2010
I attended the championship match at the 21st annual Tom Tilson Holiday Classic on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, and watched as Riverside King scored two second-half goals in a come-from-behind victory over Murrieta Valley.
Both teams played at a frenetic pace the last 25 minutes, scrambling up and down the pitch trying to create opportunities. There were goals, guile and the physical intensity of a tournament final.
King made use of the wings, placing dangerous crosses that pressured Murrieta Valley and eventually resulted in both the equalizing and go-ahead goals.
Murrieta Valley focused on a more direct path through the center, relying heavily on senior F/MF Chris Sanders (6-foot-2, 175 pounds) to shoot or pass. He did a lot of both, and dominated in the air, but nothing he attempted seemed to be on target.
The Wolves’ backline was up to the challenge, playing a delightful offside trap that caught the Nighthawks more than once. Senior goalkeeper Bradley Doman (6-1, 170) was stout in goal, and did what needed to be done after allowing a goal in the first half.
Murrieta Valley senior F/MF Bryant Franco (5-11, 160) scored the only goal in the first half when his extremely well-placed shot from about 30 yards bested Doman, who could merely deflect the ball into the side netting.
Undaunted, King chased the game in the second half, earning a penalty kick in the 66th minute. Though the attempt was not converted, the Wolves continued to attack and scored three minutes later when senior F/MF Garrett Lomanto (6-1, 165) knotted the match at one goal apiece.
Momentum had shifted in the match, and King was clearly the more determined side.
With fewer than two minutes remaining, senior MF Gio Acosta (5-10, 155) was tugged down in the box and the center referee immediately pointed to the mark. Acosta stood calmly over the ball before hammering it into the top right corner. Murrieta Valley sophomore GK Alex Montion (6-foot, 160) got his finger tips on the ball but was unable to do anything more than slow it down on its way in.
The Nighthawks made one last attempt down the field, but a meek shot from Sanders was a final salvo as Doman made his last of eight saves. The final whistle sounded as he launched the ball deep downfield.
Former Riverside Poly soccer coach, and tournament namesake, Tom Tilson:
“It was a great tournament. Unfortunately, the weather knocked some games around. It’s nice to see the district has gone to these all-weather fields, and I guess Poly will have one in two years, so I think that’ll help the situation. It’s just great to see these guys come and play because some of them have played together on different teams. It’s fun.”
COACH AND PLAYER COMMENTS FORTHCOMING FROM:
Riverside King coach Todd Mapes
Riverside King junior Gio Acosta
Riverside King senior Bradley Doman
INLAND FIELDHOUSE 