Boys’ varsity soccer dedicates game to #LongLiveDre and #PrayForJames

The+NC+team+held+their+heads+high+after+the+Wildcats+scored+during+the+beginning+of+the+second+half.+Despite+the+rough+start%2C+the+Warriors+managed+to+score+three+goals+during+the+second+half%2C+bringing+the+end+score+to+3-1.

Janett Rodriguez

The NC team held their heads high after the Wildcats scored during the beginning of the second half. Despite the rough start, the Warriors managed to score three goals during the second half, bringing the end score to 3-1.

Janett Rodriguez, Copy Editor

The NC boys varsity soccer team faced-off against the Wheeler Wildcats on Wednesday, February 13. The team played in memorial of the loss of junior Andre Cordero on February 7 due to an unfortunate car accident and in support of junior James Rosales as he recovers from the accident. Players wore purple wrapped tape around their wrists labeled #LLD and #PrayForJames in support of Rosales and in honor of Cordero and the crowd decked themselves out in red and purple clothing in honor of both Rosales and Cordero. Students, friends and family members came out to support as the Warriors took home their first win with a 3-1 victory. 

“Tonight, we dedicated the game to our fallen friend, Andre Cordero, and James Rosales who is still recovering from the accident. Our condolences go towards Andre’s and James’ family and friends through this difficult time,” senior Nathan Lockridge said.

The Warriors and the Wildcats began the first half with a strong defensive lineup as neither team scored. NC attempted many goals in the first half but left the scoreboard as 0-0.

During the next half, the referee awarded a penalty kick for the Wildcats as one the Warriors committed a foul inside the penalty box. Junior goalie Phillip Stark managed to block the initial shot and the first rebound, but unfortunately, the Wildcat player managed to score on the second rebound.

Janett Rodriguez
Players wore purple pre-wrap around their arms to show support of varsity player James Rosales as he recovers from an unfortunate car accident. The support from the crowd motivated the Warriors to stay positive throughout the game.

The Warriors kept their heads held high despite the Wildcats’ goal. Minutes later, senior Jay Horton scored the Warriors’ first goal, marking a tie between the teams. As NC gained possession of the ball more often and strengthened their communication, junior Elvir Prozorac scored a header with the assistance of Horton, putting them in the lead at 2-1. The Warriors kept their defense consistent as the Wildcats struggled to get past the Warriors’ lineup. In the final minutes of the second half, Horton managed to score another goal with a header, bringing the final score to 3-1.

“At first we started off a bit rough, but later in the game, we were able to communicate better as a team and gain more possession of the ball. We knew that we had what it took to win the game, and once we figured that out, we were able to come out with a win,” junior Jason Cobos said.