Burnet boys soccer beats Florence for first district win

CAPTION: The Burnet Bulldogs celebrate earning a District 25-4A win against Florence Jan. 27. Courtesy photo

The Burnet High School boys soccer team subdued Florence 2-0 Jan. 27 to even its District 25-4A record at 1-1.

“We knew that this was going to be an even match-up and a must-win for district play,” head coach Benjamin Boorman said. “(We) came out with tons of energy and built pressure on Florence right from the opening whistle and never looked back.”

The goals came from Lisandro Olvera, who scored in the 45th minute with an assist by Eric Hernandez and from captain Hector Arredondo on a penalty kick in the 65th minute.

“Hector had himself a fantastic game,” Boorman said. “He sliced up the Florence midfield and found our wingers time and again.”

Miguel Valdez and Olvera ensured the middle wasn’t an option for the Buffaloes.

“(They) combined together to end any attack Florence had in central midfield,” the coach said.

Anthony Perez and Josue Ramirez led the defensive stand at the end of the game to keep a shutout, Boorman pointed out, and credited senior goalkeeper Adrian Rojas for the outcome.

“(He was) the real star of the night,” he said. “His energy and communication helped keep the boys together, and he saved a penalty kick in the 70th minute that would have given life to the Buffaloes.”

Overall, the Bulldogs played extremely well and earned the valuable victory.

“The boys got their first win of the season and a huge win in district play,” Boorman said.

The Burnet junior varsity lost 2-1.

The Bulldogs struck first thanks to Josvanny Ramirez, who capitalized on a goal in the 23rd minute.

“The boys passed the ball around, stringing multiple passes together in the midfield,” Boorman said. “Blake Feldt and Dwight Lopez controlled the ball well and were able to feed the ball again and again to the attacking players.”

That score stood into the second half. Burnet scored three goals that were called back because players were offsides. Bruce Gonzalez scored two of those goals.

“The last eight minutes of the game proved why soccer is such a cruel game,” Boorman said.

Florence was awarded a penalty kick that Aiden Morris blocked.

Boorman noted that miss “invigorated the Buffaloes who started to push high” and scored a minute later to tie the game.

Burnet “pushed forward and got caught on the counter,” he added, pointing out that Florence was awarded another penalty kick with 43 seconds left that proved to be the difference in the contest.

“The boys were heartbroken but we learned a lot,” the coach said.

Burnet travels to play Jarrell Thursday, Feb.2. The subvarsity plays at 4 p.m. and the varsity at 7:30 p.m.

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