The Los Alamitos High boys soccer team had a tie and a win last week to improve to 4-1-1 in Sunset League play. The Griffins defeated Newport Harbor, 2-1 on Friday, but had to settle for a 0-0 tie against Huntington Beach on Wednesday.
The Los Alamitos High boys soccer team had a tie and a win last week to improve to 4-1-1 in Sunset League play. The Griffins defeated Newport Harbor, 2-1 on Friday, but had to settle for a 0-0 tie against Huntington Beach on Wednesday.
The tie against Huntington Beach highlighted concerns about the offense and it’s struggles to capitalize on chances. The attack has been consistent but capitalizing on their chances have been spotty. The win over Newport could indicate that they are finding their offensive rhythm, but the Griffins know they will need to be more consistent.
“We have a lot of opportunities, but we just can’t finish so I guess we just have to be more willing to take shots and have that composure,” Senior Ozvaldo Yanez said after Wednesday’s tie with Huntington Beach.
In the 53rd minute against Huntington Beach, Yanez had a crossing pass to Aron Rudich that he redirected on goal, but the shot sailed over the goal. About four minutes later, the Griffins had a free kick from the left side. Yanez was able to get to it on the other side of the goal, but his shot hit the near post. Yanez also hit the far post on a crossing shot in overtime.
But while the offense missed on opportunities, the Oiler defense also had a hand in disrupting the Griffins’ attack. And while their keeped didn’t have to make any spectacular saves, Griffins coach Donovan Martinez said he was effective enough to prevent any good second chances.
“I think their keeper played very well. He was in the right place at the right time to clean up a lot of stuff, so you have to give credit to them and to that keeper,” Martinez said.
However, Martinez also noted that it was disappointing to have to settle for a tie after having plenty of opportunities to put a goal on the board. He said that the team needs to mature on the offensive end.
Defensively, the Griffins have played disciplined on the back line and have defended space well, Martinez said. They only allowed a few chances against Huntington Beach, but if the Griffins hope to contend for any titles, he knows they will have to be more effective on both ends of the field.
“There’s a lot of teams in league that are very good that will do that, … if we want to be one of the top echelon teams in Sunset League and in CIF, we have to finish those opportunities,” Martinez said.
In the 2-1 win over Newport Harbor, Zac Way had a goal and an assist and Daniel Weis had the other goal for the Griffins. Goal keeper Connor Fatone was credited with eight saves.
The Griffins will be at Marina on Friday in a key league game at 3 p.m.
