Men’s soccer keeps that winning streak

By Loydie Burmah |Opinions Editor|

Coyote men’s soccer won in an arduous match against the Cal State Stanislaus Warriors 1-0 at Premier Field on Oct 17.

The Coyotes scored in the second half in the 65th minute, when freshman Midfielder Tony Lo scored left past Warriors goalie Clint Long, assisted by Midfielder Diego Mendoza and Defender Daniel Looker.

A mess of shouted phrases from coaches along the outer edge of the field urged the players to maintain peak performance.

Outside midfielder Daniel Lopez believes that the Coyotes’ possession-oriented style of playing is what allows the team to create advancing opportunities to score.

“We came out working and fighting for one another which allowed for everyone to have a good game,” said Lopez.

“Leading up to the game we knew it would be challenging seeing as how CSUS is usually a tough team to beat,” he added.

Between the two periods Coyotes attempted nine shots with six on target and six shots on goal (SOG), while the Warriors attempted 19 with seven on target and seven shots on goal.

Coyotes Goalkeeper Roberto Gonzalez managed five saves in the first half and two in the second.

The Warriors countered with aggressive defensive plays in an attempt to thwart the Coyote’s strong offense.

“The fact that we were disciplined and had a better work ethic than our opponent allowed for a favorable result,” stated Lopez.

Select players from the Coyote women’s soccer team watched from the sidelines, showing support by shouting encouraging words for the men’s team.

Many attendants appeared for the overcast Friday afternoon game, applauding the Coyotes performance.

Coyote players Larry Llamas, Daniel Looker, Corey Christ, and Debray Hollimon performed fiercely across the field, creating opportunities for goal attempts.

Llamas had great handling of the ball, continuously driving it towards the Coyotes side of the field and passing it to other players.

Hollimon suffered numerous kicks to his shin, foot, and ankle, but managed to keep up stamina throughout the match.

The Warriors aggressive defense and offense proved no match for the Coyote’s cohesive agility.

“The team showed a lot of perseverance and character by pushing relentlessly and working hard for one another,” said Lopez.

At the time of their win against Stanislaus, Coyotes ranked 7-4 overall and 3-4 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference.

After Lo’s score (his third of the year) the sidelines erupted, proving that the Coyotes have an extensive support system off the field.

Like all players on the Coyotes team, Lopez has hopeful expectations about the career and season.

“There are two goals that I have for this season. One is going for the national championship title,” said Lopez.

“Two, would be that after every practice and every game the team walks away improved and having learned something new in order to make forward progress,” concluded Lopez.