by Gene Helfman

Don’t worry about the Lobos soccer players suffering a letdown after a heartbreaker. Just three days after an emotional overtime 2-1 loss to Providence Christian, the Lobos took on the Braves of La Conner on Oct. 13th at the Lopez pitch. If Lopez had a hangover, they got over it quickly. Just thirteen minutes into the game, Ethan Patrick took a pass from Malachi Cary and lobbed a beautiful goal over the LaConner keeper’s head. Cary returned the favor nine minutes later by sending the ball to Patrick for another goal. Meanwhile, the Lopez defense frustrated the La Conner attack, blocking the area in front of the Lopez goal and clearing away any balls that came close. Half time score: Lopez 2, La Conner 0.

The second half continued in the same manner, Lopez mounting a strong defense. Malachi Cary got his second goal at the twenty seven minute mark on a long run down the left side, despite two defenders sandwiching him the length of the field. With a solid 3-0 lead, Coach Mycah Kraushaar used her subs extensively, giving them valuable real game experience. They proved up to the task and continued to shut out the Braves, including thwarting several dangerous corner kicks. The match ended Lopez 3, La Conner 0.

Coach Kraushaar afterward said she fully expected a win, saying the team was hungry to show what they could do, on both offense and defense, the latter particularly impressive. Lopez keeper Levi McClerren complained that the first half was kind of boring, forcing him to make only one save. It was, overall, an impressive, complete win.