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Redwood Times

The South Fork boys’ soccer team lost two games last week to Humboldt Del Norte Conference Big Five schools, falling 3-0 to Del Norte in Crescent City on Wednesday and holding Arcata to a narrow 1-0 margin of victory at home on Saturday. Their record now stands at 2-6. With no further contests scheduled against small schools, their 2-2 small school record technically qualifies them for the post season.

"We laid an egg by not showing up to Del Norte and deservedly got the 3-0 loss," said head coach Travis Genzoli of the Cubs’ disappointing performance in Crescent City. He had praise for sophomore Robbie Anderson, who "was the only person putting any sort of pressure on their defense." Genzoli added, referring to the over three-hour drive to the game: "It’s always hard to win after that trip."

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However, on Saturday at home the Cubs showed outstanding defense and allowed the conference-leading Tigers just one goal. "Against Arcata we came to play," said Genzoli. "We played with patience and were able to establish a controlled passing game."

Junior goalie Jesus Lopez had an outstanding match, deflecting every Arcata shot on goal but one, including denying a penalty kick.

"Our back line of defense was more aggressive than Arcata and we were often able to build an attack with our passing game."

According to Genzoli, sophomore Eli Kahan, junior Mike Harrison, Anderson, seniors Leo Horvath and Damian Alatorre, junior Kyle Westcott, freshman Connor Messenger, and Lopez "played the best games I’ve ever seen them play."

The Cubs’ next contest is at McKinleyville Saturday at 1 p.m.

photo captions:

PHOTOS BY HEATHER SALOMON

1. Junior Michael Harrison #13 with Kyle Wescott, Damian Alatorre and Connor Messenger.

2. Senior Damian Alatorre #10 with Dustyn Salomon.