A win by virtue of penalty kicks, a loss in a game decided by penalty kicks, and a shutout loss to the host team left Escalon’s varsity soccer boys with a fourth-place finish at the weekend Ripon Christian Tournament.

“Our first game was versus Analy Friday night which was 1-1 after regulation,” said head coach Paul Silva. “Damian Morales scored our goal and was assisted by Jesse Gomez.”

In the penalty kick phase, Escalon scored on all five chances.

“Preston Berhorst was in goal and saved a penalty (kick) which gave us the victory,” Silva said.

Saturday morning the team took the field against Bradshaw Christian and it was scoreless after regulation.

“We were tied after five rounds of penalties and ultimately lost in the seventh round of PKs” noted Silva.

The last game for the Cougars in the tournament was against Ripon Christian. Trailing just 1-0 at the half, Escalon fell by a final of 3-0.

“All their goals came from set pieces, a corner kick, a throw in, and a free kick,” Silva explained. “Definitely something we need to work on and be on the same page.”

So far, the Cougars have one win and four losses during the preseason.

“Not really the start we were hoping for,” Silva admitted. “But the boys are working hard and with time, the results will come.”