RHS soccer engages in summer match-up with Florence
By Brannon King for the FCT
The Russellville High School varsity boys’ soccer team matched up with the Florence Falcons June 20 at RHS, and the two teams played to a 2-2 draw in an offseason “friendly” match.
The contest served as a good practice match for both teams, as they continue early preparations for the 2018 season. The Golden Tigers are building off of their first season’s successes, as they advanced to the quarterfinals of the playoffs in their inaugural season.
Russellville got goals in the game from Esvin Mateo and Andy Alonso. Jesus Betancourt played well as goal-keeper for Russellville and allowed only two goals against the talented Florence squad. Betancourt made plenty of good saves in the game, including one outstanding stop late in the match to keep the Golden Tigers and Falcons tied.
Russellville scored first early in the game and also had a shot hit the post on a scoring opportunity before the Falcons drew even with a goal of their own on a rebound. Florence went on to claim a 2-1 advantage before Russellville got a shot past the Florence keeper as he advanced towards the ball and left the net open. RHS had an opportunity to grab the lead late in the game, but a kick after an FHS penalty sailed over the goal, and the score remained 2-2.
Russellville head coach Trey Stanford said he liked what he saw from his team in the match and wanted to see his team play against the tough competition. Defense was an area where he knows his team will need to continue to improve.
“A lot of our kids are back, but we did lose a lot on defense,” Stanford said after the match. “We’re rebuilding defensively, and that’s a struggle.”
The second-year head coach of the RHS team said he was pleased with how his team competed against the Falcons. “I’m proud of them. They played outstanding tonight,” he said. “We scored quick at the beginning, and we answered again after they scored and it was 2-1.
“I was especially proud of them to tie it up against this team because they’re outstanding.”
