The Cougar varsity boy’s soccer team played host to the number one ranked Class 2 team in Virginia on April 22, losing a hard-fought game, 4-1. Glenvar came into the game with a 9-0 record, having outscored their opponents 36-2, including an 8-0 win at home against the Cougars on March 20.
The rematch opened with both teams playing solid defense and limiting scoring chances. Cougar goalie Jonah Byers broke up several early Glenvar scoring chances to keep the game scoreless for the first thirty minutes of the game.
As the half wore on, Glenvar increased their pressure on the Cougar defense, and in the 33rd minute scored the game’s first goal. Minutes later, the Cougars nearly tied the game on a long shot that hit the crossbar and deflected straight down on the goal line, but did not cross it.
In the 37th minute, Glenvar scored off a long throw-in into the Cougar penalty box and would take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
The Cougars came out strong in the second half, playing aggressive attacking soccer that created scoring opportunities, but could not capitalize. Following an early second half goal, Glenvar took advantage of Cougar miscues to increase their lead to 4-0 late in the half.
We’ve “got to get in a little more shape on the back line and push up so there’s not a huge gap in the middle, and we can continue with pressing the attack and not just invite them in,” said Cougar head coach Oscar Tejada.
With six minutes to go, the Cougar offensive pressure finally paid off with a Colby Laymen goal, cutting into the Glenvar lead. Goaltender Jonah Byers made several big stops in rapid succession in the closing minutes to keep Glenvar from adding another goal, ending the game at 4-1.
Tejada liked much of what he saw from his team and their effort. “We tried to manage the game as best we could and gave ourselves some opportunities. It’s an improvement from the first time we faced them, and we’ve got to keep getting better. Once we get to the regional tournament, its win or go home, so that’s what we’re working towards.”
