Panthers, Grizzlies battle to scoreless tie
The South Medford and Ashland boys soccer teams battled for 100 minutes without a score in nonconference play Saturday at South Medford High.
For the Panthers (5-1-3), the contest was somewhat deflating. South, which has not allowed a goal since finishing in a 1-1 tie against the Grizzlies on Sept. 17, had won its last four matches.
For Ashland (3-5-2), the game provided some moments of inspiration and offered some momentum. The Grizzlies were coming off wins over Class 6A Crater and Roseburg and a 3-2 loss to North Medford in overtime.
"The truth is, we didn't capitalize on opportunities," South head coach Dave Kaufman said. "And I tip my hat to Ashland. They've put together some very spirited games and made it tough on us. That creates some adversity for us that we have to overcome."
South goalkeeper Mitch North and Ashland's Imani Sharpe had the shutout efforts.
"On paper, we were outmatched, but the Grizzlies have become a very strong unit and we are fighting for everything we get," Ashland head coach Brad Roupp said.
Kaufman said he was pleased with the defensive performances of Jack Delaney, Eddie Tovar, Greg Alegria and Jose Cabrera, along with the efforts in the midfield. But the offense, he said, is looking to improve.
"We are still finding our way with how we attack and take advantage of the chances we do create," Kaufman said.
For Ashland, senior Brenton Wileman played well defensively.
NORTH MEDFORD 7, EAGLE POINT 3 — Sophomore Jose Lopez scored two goals for Eagle Point while North Medford had seven different players net a goal in the nonconference match at Hoffbuhr Field.
The Black Tornado jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first 22 minutes.
The Eagles cut their deficit to 3-1 in the 37th minute on a goal by Cesar Espinoza, but one minute later Jesus Solorio scored what proved to be the winning goal for North (7-2, 3-1-0 SOH).
Junior midfielder Leo Alonzo led the Black Tornado with one goal and three assists and Bryan Carbonell added one goal and one assist.
North Medford sophomore Cole Owings tallied his first goal of the season to complete the scoring.
Other goal scorers for the Black Tornado were Armando Perez, Jose Mendoza and Ruben Ibarra.
GRANTS PASS 1, ROSEBURG 1, OT — At Roseburg, Grants Pass scored in the final two minutes of overtime to pull out a tie.
Grants Pass coach Lowell Anderson said it was the first time in at least five years Grants Pass (7-2-1, 3-2-1 SOH) hasn't lost at Roseburg.
Roseburg broke the scoreless match seven minutes into the first of two 10-minute extra periods when the Cavemen failed to clear a ball in the defensive end and Joe Lipshutz capitalized for the Indians.
Brian Satterthwaite headed in a corner kick from 10 yards out for the equalizer.
Grants Pass out-shot Roseburg, 15-7.
Micah Johnson came up with two big saves in overtime for the Cavemen.
PHOENIX 3, HENLEY 2 — At Talent, Omar Iboa scored twice and Alex Vela netted a goal for Phoenix in Skyline play.
Sam Johnson scored both goals for Henley, which jumped out to 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.
Around the 34th minute, Iboa stole the ball and rocketed a shot in from 12 yards out to even the score. He later found a streaking Vela on a crossing pass at the 6-yard line, and Vela finished with his head, giving Phoenix (3-3-1, 2-2 Skyline) a 2-1 lead.
Three minutes later, Iboa recorded his second goal from 10 yards on a Vela assist.
Johnson scored again in the 65th minute, finishing from 10 yards away in front of an open goal.
Senior Junior Esqueda helped limit Henley (2-5-1, 1-3 Skyline) to six shots, while the Pirates had 13.
KLAMATH UNION 4, MAZAMA 1 — At Klamath Falls, Luis Serrato scored two second-half goals and Ivan Franco had two assists for visiting Klamath Union in the Skyline contest.
Thomas Lund and Victor Rios also the scored for the Pelicans (7-0, 4-0 Sky).
Mazama (4-3, 1-3 Sky) managed a 1-1 deadlock at halftime.
HIDDEN VALLEY 1, NORTH VALLEY 0 — At Murphy, Robin Klimczak got fouled in the box and converted a penalty kick in the 26th minute for the game's only goal at District Office Field.
Sweeper Cameron Ulrey was a standout for the Mustangs (6-1, 4-0 Sky) along with midfielders Thomas Fate and Alan Rojas.
Hidden Valley's Chris Stuke excelled in goal.
The Mustangs will host Klamath Union at 4 p.m. Wednesday in a match-up of undefeated Skyline teams.
ILLINOIS VALLEY 3, LAKEVIEW 0 — At Lakeview, Illinois Valley junior forward Jovany Sanchez scored two goals to help lift the Cougars to the District 3 victory.
Sanchez netted his first goal in the 37th minute on an assist by David Perata for Illinois Valley (3-3-1, 2-0 Dist. 3). Ten minutes later, Sanchez intercepted a pass, sped past several defenders and blasted a low shot past Lakeview's goalkeeper.
Sophomore midfielder Boaz Dillon tacked on the Cougars' third goal using a Sanchez assist in the 66th minute.
Goalkeeper Lander Nordal turned in the shutout effort against Lakeview (3-2, 1-1 Dist. 3).
UMPQUA VALLEY CHRISTIAN 1, ROGUE RIVER 0 — At Roseburg, Walker Adams scored the game's lone goal in the 35th minute.
Rogue River goalkeeper Cole Mcfetridge registered 15 saves.