Trojans best Honkers in county soccer clash

The Honkers played well but not perfect on Friday, and when you're up against one of the toughest teams in the section, less than perfect is all it takes.

Orland High (14-0-1, 9-0 Butte View League) capitalized on a pair of small opportunities in the first half and added a second-half goal to down the home team 3-1 on Friday.

"You have to play your best soccer (against Orland), because they capitalize on any mistake," said Willows coach Jose Cano.

The first Orland goal came on just such a mistake, when Aldrick Rosas maneuvered himself to a wide-open spot about 10 yards out and only had Willows keeper Josue Valenzuela between him and the twine. Rosas put the shot in to make it 1-0 in the 29th minute.

It only took the Trojans four more minutes to make it a two-goal lead. With Ramon Aceves taking the corner kick with his left foot, Mirsha Rosas got the inside position on his defender and won a dash toward the goal, heading the ball into the right side of the net to make it 2-0.

The score remained that way at the half.

In the 52nd minute, the Trojans' Eric Anguiano got his right foot on a loose ball just before three Willows defenders converged on it and scored off the scrum to make it 3-0.

The Honkers got on the board in the 55th minute, when sophomore Fernando Cervantes redirected a corner kick taken by Francisco Zepeda, and put it in off an Orland defender.

The Trojans' overall size and quick footwork made things difficult for the Honkers all afternoon, and the Trojans only allowed nine shots to be taken.

Cano was pleased with the Honkers' overall play, saying, I'm satisfied. You want the win but they're the best in the northstate. The score was only 3-1 and the kids fought hard and wanted it."

Willows (9-6-2, 2-3-2 Sacramento Valley League-One) faced Pierce in Arbuckle on Tuesday, and return home t host Live Oak on Thursday.

The Trojans played at Winters on Tuesday, visit Sutter on Thursday and host Wheatland on Friday.