Eighth-ranked Class 2A Gilbert handed the sixth-ranked Rams their first loss of the soccer season in a 2-1 clash April 25 in Grand Junction. Greene County started the campaign 6-0.
The Rams led 1-0 early with the match tied 1-1 at the half. Isaiah Losee gave the Rams the lead with a goal about seven minutes into the match. Gilbert tied the score with 15 minutes to play in the half. The deciding goal was scored with about 10 minutes left in the game.
Coach Carle Behne said, “A tough call in the box turned into a PK (penalty kick) that Gilbert converted. We ended with a flurry and a few good chances in the final nine minutes, but couldn’t get it to land in the net. The boys will learn a lot from the loss and grow in the process.”
The coach added that he was proud of the boys. He felt everyone gave a great effort and improved in the process.
Greene County defeated Valley United, the combined West Central Valley and Nodaway Valley program April 22 in Grand Junction. The 11-1 final was a season high in goals for the Rams. The match ended with 23:21 remaining in the second half.
Junior Gutierrez and Luis Velazco each scored four goals with one each from Isaiah Losee, Austin Delp, and Maynor Caraballo. The Rams had 18 shots and 15 shots on goal. Goalkeeper Cael Fisher had three saves.
“It was a great effort across the board. We all make each other better and the work put in by all is showing,” noted Coach Behne.
Gutierrez has 20 goals this season and Velazco 16. Both are among Iowa’s top goal and point scorers. ~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
