LAKEPORT >> Many starters go an entire season without scoring 11 goals, a feat Clear Lake’s Ulices Valencia accomplished in one game on Monday as the Clear Lake Cardinals opened a new season with a 18-0 non-league victory over the visiting Upper Lake Cougars.
Valencia scored eight times in the first half alone as the Cardinals (1-0) built a 10-0 halftime lead.
The team’s other seven goals were divided among six players. Jose Rodriguez scored twice while Diego Sonato, Flavio Pizano, Bryan Jimenez, Jesus Inostroza and Nick Holmes added one goal apiece.
Holmes, a centerback, turned in a strong showing on the defensive end as well, according to Clear Lake coach Shaun Hornby.
“We’re looking good,” Hornby said when asked about his team’s first game of the season.
Both teams return to action Friday in the opening round of the Tyler Duncan Memorial Tournament at Upper Lake High School. Upper Lake (0-1) plays Potter Valley at 2:30 p.m. and Clear Lake takes on Tech at 4 p.m. Both the Cardinals and Cougars play two more games on Saturday.
