The Lady Cougars got a tie and took a loss this week at the varsity level, while the varsity boys fell in both their Trans-Valley League games.
For the girls, they battled Riverbank on Tuesday, Jan. 23 ending in a 0-0 tie, said head coach Jeremy Titsworth.
“We controlled the game and took a lot of shots but tied,” Titsworth said of facing off against the Lady Bruins.
Thursday, they were on the home pitch and were down 2-1 to Hilmar at the half, with the game ending in that same score.
Escalon’s lone tally came on a penalty kick, which was converted by Reagan Baker. Keeper Karisa McNeil notched nine saves in the contest.
“The Hilmar game was back and forth and we played a tough game,” the coach said, pleased with the overall effort. “Karisa kept us in the game until the very end. We took 10 shots in the game with one bouncing off the post and only made one on the PK by Reagan.”
The JV girls scored a 4-0 win at home over Hilmar on Thursday, though the goal scoring information was unavailable at press time.
BOYS
Tuesday, Escalon’s varsity boys hosted Riverbank and lost by a 3-1 final.
“It was 2-1 at half, they opened up the scoring midway through the first half,” said head coach Paul Silva. “We quickly equalized with a great chipped goal by Miguel Ordaz.”
Escalon conceded the second goal shortly before half and Riverbank’s final goal found the back of the net in the second half.
“Their third goal came from a miscommunication on our part,” admitted Silva. “Overall we played well, just weren’t clinical enough with our scoring opportunities. Miguel stood out in the game, really bossed the midfield.”
Thursday the team traveled to play at Hilmar and fell in that Jan. 25 game by just a 1-0 decision.
“We gave up a goal midway through the first half,” noted Silva. “We played really well, controlled the game for large stretches but unfortunately couldn’t score on the chances we had.”
Silva said he was still proud of the effort shown by his team.
“They really deserved more in each game; hoping we can finish the season with some victories,” he said.
The Cougars are scheduled to host Ripon on Thursday, Feb. 1.
The JV boys game against Riverbank was canceled, so head coach Polo Rodriguez said they had just one contest this week.
“We lost to Hilmar 2-1; crucial mistakes in the back cost us the goals,” he said. “Yair Valerio had our only goal with an amazing free kick.”
