Written by Brandon Lucas:
Napa, Calif- Storm come away with an early second half goal to beat Las Positas College 1-0 Defense, intensity, and focus were the keys to victory for the Storm now (2-6-1) on the season after the victory.
The storm came out of the gate strong pushing the Hawks back line and applying continuous pressure on the defenders. David Jiminez and Dominic DeBenedetti controlled the mid-field. The Storm defenders did very well limiting the Hawk attacks. When the Hawks did threaten, key saves by Jonathan Perez kept the hawk forwards at bay. Quickly, the Storm placed counter attacks and forwards were able to get crosses and though balls into the 18 foot box. Despite the constant attack the Hawk defenders did not break and both teams went into the half tied 0-0.
Going into the second half the Storm were optimistic knowing if they kept up the intensity they could find a ball into the back of the net. On a counter attack a deep cross to Juan Ayala-Mejia he was able to take a couple touches and get it past the goal keeper. For the rest of the half the Storm attack was still in full effect with headers and shot attempts just went wide. The hawks began to feel the sense of urgency as time dwindled, but they couldn’t capitalize. The storm defenders did not break even when the hawks kept pressure on the storm half.
Coach Ochoa "It feels great to have or first shootout entering conference play next match. The team responded well and adapted to the height and physicality of the opponent. Lots of good points entering next week."
The storm go into the beginning of conference play looking to defend their Bay Valley Conference Championship. The first conference opponent is on Friday September 28th against Contra Costa College, kickoff at 4:00pm.