Tehachapi News

Warrior soccer shocks Garces

larger view

In a result that took 15 years to match, the Warriors opened up their season in impressive fashion with a 2-0 defeat against Garces, becoming the first varsity men’s soccer team to defeat the Rams soccer program since 1994.

The Warriors wasted little time in putting anxiety in the hearts of their opponents, with Sergei Horowitz scoring the first goal in the seventh minute off a centered pass from Marco Acevedo.

Horowitz scored his second goal of the game in the 79th minute, overcoming a severe cramp for a freeze-and-shoot on a breakaway.

“The guys were really smoking out there, they really put on a good show of speed,” said head coach Bruce Butler. “Everyone really stepped up and did a great job setting up the opportunities.  We have a very aggressive and fast attack. They really did a great job running the scheme.”

Horowitz was difficult to contain on the corners, routinely getting behind the Garces defense to put himself on one-on-one situations with the Ram keeper.

Adding to the fray was Kellen Dragomanovich, who nearly had a second goal for Tehachapi in the first period on a header that hit the cross bar. After that opportunity, the Garces defense stiffened to avoid any more chances until late in the game.

“Our defense did a great job keeping the ball out off our side, and (Michael Anderline) stopped some great shots for us,”

Anderline played the entire game at goalie, recording three saves in the season opening shutout win.

“This type of game is just what we needed to get started,” Butler said. “Everyone did a great job and we’re happy with the result.”

With the football season concluded, the Warrior soccer program is anticipating the arrival of Jake Reimer, Brian Castaneda and David Lara to the squad as early as this week.

Tehachapi will have another home contest this Tuesday against Burroughs. The game will start at 3:30 p.m. for the jayvee and 5 p.m. for the varsity.
 
Junior varsity

The Braves started off their season with a strong performance against the Ramblers, finishing with a 2-2 score to open their season.

Cameron Gamble opened up the scoring late in the second half, overcoming a cluster in the goal box to punch a shot in the back of the net.

Down 2-1 late in the game, Cesar Meza tied the contest with a breakaway shot with four minutes remaining.

At goal, Tommy Freeman had an impressive effort on the night, giving up only two goals on 17 shots attempted by Garces.