UPPER LAKE >> Ulices Valencia and Diego Sonato scored two goals apiece on Friday as the Upper Lake Cougars edged the Technology Titans 4-3 in boys soccer action at the Tyler Duncan Memorial Tournament in Upper Lake.
Sonato’s second goal of the game broke a 2-2 tie early in the second half and Valencia scored minutes later, also his second goal, to give the Cardinals (1-0) a 4-2 lead. Technology closed to 4-3 late in the game but the Clear Lake defense was up to the task.
“The defense held on,” Clear Lake coach Shaun Hornby said. “I’m really happy with this win. Tech has 26 players on its roster and nine seniors. We only have 16 players and one senior.”
Tech scored early in the first half to go up 1-0, its only lead of the game. Clear Lake rallied to tie it by halftime.
Sonato also recorded an assist in the victory. Teammates Bryan Jimenez and Flavio Pizano also had assists for the Cardinals.
Standouts for the game, according to Hornby, were Jimenez at defensive midfielder and Jesus Inostroza, Clear Lake’s keeper.
“They both did a great job,” Hornby said.
“I’m hoping for big things from this team,” Hornby added.
Clear Lake takes on Upper Lake on Saturday at 3 p.m. and plays Tech again at 6 p.m. as the tournament wraps up.
In other tournament action Friday:
Girls
M’town 6, K’ville 0
At Upper Lake, Middletown improved to 2-0 in tournament play and 3-0 overall with a shutout victory over the Kelseyville Knights in the girls bracket of the Tyler Duncan Memorial.
Sophie Kucer scored twice for the Mustangs, Julisa Garcia scored a goal for a third straight game, and Ellie Bazzano had a goal and two assists for Middletown, the 10-time defending North Central League I champion.
“We controlled the midfield,” Middletown coach Lamont Kucer said of the key to the game. “Sophie played defensive midfield and offensive mid and did really well.”
Another midfield standout was Maddie Ferguson, a sophomore.
“Her passing has improved, her aggressiveness has improved,” Kucer said. “She packs a big punch for being such a small girl.”
The Mustangs substituted early and often.
“We got everyone in there and spread things around,” Kucer said. “Everyone had lots and lots of playing time.”
Zamora Rogers and Harper Moreno, both freshmen, also had goals for Middletown. Ferguson, Olivia Kucer, Abby Sabater and Kassi Agapoff all logged assists.
Middletown plays Clear Lake at 9:45 a.m. and Clear Lake at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday to close out the tournament.
