Boys Close Soccer Season With A Win

Photo by Rick Peck McDonald County’s Alfredo Sanchez battles a Webb City defender for control of the ball during the Mustangs 1-0 win Oct. 22 at Crowder College.
Photo by Rick Peck McDonald County’s Alfredo Sanchez battles a Webb City defender for control of the ball during the Mustangs 1-0 win Oct. 22 at Crowder College.

The McDonald County High School soccer team closed out its inaugural season in dramatic fashion Oct. 22 with a thrilling 1-0 win over Webb City at Crowder College.

The game's only goal came in the 68th minute when Jose Rodriguez outfought a Webb City defender for a loose ball in the box and turned and rifled a shot past the cardinal goalie. The goal was set up by Alex Garcia playing a ball into the box from the right side.

The lone goal was all Uriel Lazaro needed as the sophomore keeper stopped all 10 shots he faced in recording his second shutout of the year.

"Jose has been good all year especially for him only being a sophomore," said coach James Carter. "We are glad he had a great year, but we are really excited about the next two. His hard work has paid off. More than anything, he has listened to what we have asked our forwards to do.

"We had a lot of guys step up today. They stepped it up a notch and played with a lot of energy. We had a lot of fans here for senior night. It was a great win. Anytime you can begin and end the season with a win that's great."

At halftime, five senior players and one senior manager were honored for their contribution to the program. They include players Yonathan Rodriguez, Cesar Santillan, Elias Gallegos, Lorenzo Munoz, Kyan Day and manager Vanessa Montoya.

The win improved the Mustangs season record to 7-9.McDonald County will not compete in the state playoffs this year, but will next year following the 2016 season.

"I think it was a great first year," Carter said. "Anybody who came to the first and came to the last one saw the difference especially with all the obstacles we had to overcome. We have gotten worlds better. It is important that we build on it. That's what really matters.

"We have had support from the community that has been amazing. It is unlike anything I have ever seen. I think McDonald County is really special for that. McDonald County people support McDonald County people and that is special. That is something you don't find everywhere."

The McDonald County girls soccer team will play its inaugural season in the spring of 2016.

Sports on 10/29/2015