Saratoga, CALIF- A hard fought game where the smallest mistake was the difference in the game. The Strom went toe to toe with the West Valley Vikings the number four ranked team in the state. The Strom left everything on the field unfortunately falling to the Vikings 0-3.
In the first half, the Storm played a near perfect half of soccer all year. Rising to the occasion playing at the level of their competition. On offensive opportunities forwards Julian Smith, George Binda, and David Jimenez put plenty of pressure on the Vikings defenders, but shots were slightly off target. When the Vikings went on the offensive attack their quick passing was able to squeak by Storm Midfielders, but were stifled by Storm back line. Eduardo Hernandez and Issac Hernandez met the Viking forwards and made amazing slide tackles to gain back control of the ball. When the Vikings had shot opportunities goalkeeper Jonathan Perez was a stone wall, making save after save. Coach Ochoa said "He played a great game, played fast, very agile and kept us in the game." After stifling the Viking attacks, the Storm went into the half 0-0.
Going into the second half momentum and spirts were high until a misplay of the ball gave back possession to the Vikings just outside the box leading to a goal in the first minute of the second half. Although down 0-1, the Storm kept pushing and stayed on the offensive trying to find the back of the net. As the half went on a sense of urgency started to kick in and play was getting physical. A costly foul call on the Storm just outside the 18 foot box lead to a free kick goal in the 59th minute. The Strom had a few more offensive chances, but down 0-2 West Valley began the keep away game. The Vikings got a goal in the least few minutes of the game for an 0-3 final result.
Coach Ochoa said "The score is not really indicative of how well the men played today. They executed the game plan played their hearts out and I could not be more proud of them. It was two little mistakes that swung the game and the ball did not go our way. This group of gentleman fought hard to get here and we really showed that we can play with some of the top teams within the state."