MIDDLETOWN — Even in defeat a hero can emerge. That”s exactly what transpired when Anderson Valley blanked the Middletown Mustangs 9-0 in a non-league varsity boys” soccer match Friday in Middletown.
It was the season opener for both teams.
The hero was junior Tyler Madsen, the Middletown keeper, according to Middletown coach Lee Hoage.
“I don”t think he made a single mistake or misread Anderson Valley”s attack,” Hoage said. “We (Middletown and Anderson Valley coaches) agreed he was the game.”
While Anderson Valley did score nine times, that really doesn”t tell the entire story, according to Hoage, who said Madsen was besieged by Anderson Valley”s offense all day. He did stop 25 shots during the course of the match.
“Their keeper was the match,” Anderson Valley coach Steve Sparks said. “He did an excellent job.”
Anderson Valley wasted no time jumping out to a lead, scoring early and often for a 5-0 advantage after one period.
“They are a very good and experienced team,” Hoage said. “Very well-coached.”
Ivan Jimenez, a junior midfielder, scored three goals for Anderson Valley, including two in the first half.
Junior Forward Justin Johnston opened the second period with a goal to make it 6-0.
Middletown did mount three serious scoring threats in the second half. Tyler Miller”s shot, with a feed from Victor Rincon, was the Mustangs” best opportunity to get onto the scoreboard.
Also scoring for the Panthers were Omar Ferreyra with two goals and Luis Eligio with one.
Middletown returns to the field on Wednesday in Napa against Justin-Siena at 4:30 p.m.
