Ronaldinho would be proud.
The Carpinteria boys soccer team looked reminiscent of the Brazilian superstar’s national team, using individual talent and great team work to dominate possession in a 5-0 Tri-Valley League win at Bishop Diego on Friday afternoon.
The lethal combination was so effective, it had Carpinteria sophomore Ismael Soriano dancing after scoring his team’s fourth goal on a breakaway in the second half. His samba-inspired routine drew a quick reprimand from the referee but by then he had already gotten out a few shakes.
“I learned it from Ronaldinho,” he said through his translator and head coach Daniel Torres.
Tony Alvarez, Oscar Montes and Ismael Soriano also found the back of the net and the Warriors’ constant pressure resulted in two penalty kicks, converted by Efrain Alvarez and Eduardo Contreras.
“We got goals from every angle,” said a pleased Torres, whose team – ranked No. 9 in Div. IV – takes over sole possession of first place with a 6-1 record in league and 18 points.
The Cardinals are still seeking their first league win, but didn’t let up until the final whistle even with the game out of reach.
The defensive backline of Sam Verhasselt, Brad Waples and David Pilkington had to manage an unrelenting attack and did everything in their power to keep the Warriors away from keeper Garret Garcia, including taking down two in the box that created the penalty kicks.
Efrain Alvarez started the scoring with the first PK. A few minutes later, Sergio Cardona sent a ball across the box that found Tony Alvarez wide open on the right side and he went far-post untouched for the score.
Montes made it 3-0 at halftime by banging home an 18-yard inside out knuckleball that tucked itself under the left side of the crossbar. The feed came from Alejandro Alvarez, who had settled a loose ball in the box and played it back.
“They’re very deserving of where they’re ranked, it’s a solid side,” recognized Bishop Diego head coach Jesus Landeros. “They’re 13 or 14 players deep.”
“You gotta commend the coach, he’s getting the results that are capable with this team.”
The Warriors have a monster game on Monday against Fillmore – the only Tri-Valley League team to beat Carpinteria. The winner has the inside track to the league title.
The game is on the road, where Carpinteria has not lost in league this season.
