LOWER LAKE — Jorge Arroyo’s goal 15 minutes into the first half was all the offense the Lower Lake Trojans would need to beat the Willits Wolverines, 1-0, in a North Central League I boys soccer game on Tuesday evening in Lower Lake.
The Trojans (2-1 league, 4-1-1 overall) played airtight defense in both halves, according to head coach Paul Krohn.
“They were just like a wall out there,” Krohn said of his players. “Both teams showed remarkable athleticism and sportsmanship. There was great passing, great hustle. It was intense the whole way.”
Standouts on defense for Lower Lake were center-halfback Billy Melvin, fullback Pedro Garrido and keeper Gilberto Orozco.
“He was all over the field on offense and defense,” Krohn said of Melvin, who also is among the county’s top cross country runners. “He has outstanding stamina,” Krohn added.
Arroyo’s game-winning goal was a well-placed shot just below the crossbar.
“It was a great shot, the goalie didn’t have a chance,” Krohn said.
Lower Lake hosts Kelseyville on Friday at 4 p.m.
In other boys soccer action Tuesday:
Clear Lake 6, Middletown 1
At Middletown, Ulices Valencia, Nicholas Holmes and Jose Rodriguez scored two goals apiece to lead the Clear Lake Cardinals over the Middletown Mustangs in NCL I action.
It was the first league win for the Cardinals (1-2, 5-2-2).
Clear Lake scored five times in the first half to open up a 5-1 lead.
“The first half was our best performance of the year so far,” Clear Lake coach Shaun Hornby said.
The Cardinals received strong play in the midfield from Payton Ewing and Bron Falkenberg, according to Tipton.
“Those two midfielders played really well,” Tipton said.
“In the second half we just stayed back and played defense, stayed healthy,” Tipton said with an eye toward Thursday’s 4 p.m. road game against Cloverdale. “We have a tough game coming up.”
