MIDDLETOWN — Despite one of Middletown”s better efforts of the season, St. Helena corralled the Mustangs 7-0 in a North Central League I interlock varsity boys” soccer match Tuesday in Middletown.
What started out as a strong offensive effort by the Mustangs (2-5) quickly reversed itself as the Saints (5-6-1) built upon their 2-0 first-half lead by overpowering Middletown with their speed and ballhandling ability. They put up five unanswered goals in the second half.
“We had a good first half,” Middletown coach Jivan Dicovski said. “We fell apart in the second half.”
The Mustangs charged down the field and quickly put up a pair of shots on goal in the opening minutes of the match that were fended off by St. Helena keeper Cole Westerland and his backfield. The Saints” Ricardo Torres scored the first goal of the match in the 12th minute with a crossing shot to the far post from 30 yards out.
What followed were repeated efforts by both teams to score against the other and outstanding defensive plays on both sides of the pitch until the 32nd minute when Jorge Mora of the Saints found an opening and fired off a scorching liner that shot past the arms of Middletown keeper Dustin Rudiger, giving the Saints a 2-0 lead at the half.
“We have a good attack up front and our midfield is coming together,” St. Helena coach Ozzie Gallegos said. “If we hold it together we should do OK (the rest of the season).”
Mora, who had been sidelined because of injuries the last two games, went on to earn a hat trick as he scored on a crossing shot from 35 yards out in the 50th minute. He connected again in the 70th minute on a short cross in front of the net.
Torres led off with a near-post goal to open the second half for the Saints. Mora scored seven minutes later to make it 4-0.
A hand ball in the box gave the Mustangs a chance to score but Juan Fernandez” kick was deflected by Westerland.
St. Helena added insurance goals by Bryan Marin in the 60th minute and Mora and Victor Almanza in the closing minutes.
