LOWER LAKE — Down five starters for a variety of reasons, the Middletown Mustangs still beat the Lower Lake Trojans 2-0 in the North Central League I opener for both of these boys soccer teams Tuesday in Lower Lake.
And just like that first-year Middletown co-head coaches Michael and Katelyn Dodd have the Mustangs off to their best start in years at 3-1 overall.
“It’s a testament to the hard work these boys have put in,” Michael Dodd said.
Andrew Mikel scored in the first half for Middletown with an assist from Diego Rincon. The Mustangs added to their lead in the second half on a shot by Matata Mulanda assisted by Manny Montes.
Although Middletown’s defense was riddled with substitutions for the missing starters, it came through, according to Dodd.
“Adrian (Backus, the Middletown keeper) didn’t get tested much today,” Dodd said. “The bench stepped it up admirably. They did what they needed to do, it was a gritty win and that’s all that matters.”
Montes, a first-year high school player, turned in a solid all-around game despite playing out of position at right wing, according to Dodd.
“He’s doing what he’s capable of doing,” Dodd said. “Even though he was out of position he stepped up, let it loose and it showed.”
It was the league and season opener for Lower Lake.
Middletown is home Thursday to take on Fort Bragg while Lower Lake travels to Kelseyville.
In non-league boys soccer action Tuesday:
Clear Lake 2, Upper Lake 1
At Upper Lake, the Clear Lake Cardinals defeated Upper Lake with some help from the Cougars, who accidentally scored one of the Clear Lake’s goals.
“Lack of communication,” Upper Lake first-year coach Thomas Santana said of the costly defensive miscue by his young squad (only two seniors).
Santana recently assumed the head coaching job after longtime coach Kyle Moore stepped down.
“We’ve only had four practices together,” Santana said. “That and our tournament last weekend is all we’ve had together.”
Upper Lake (0-3-1) went 0-2-1 in the third annual Tyler Duncan Memorial Tournament at Upper Lake, including a 2-2 draw with Clear Lake.
Clear Lake (1-2-1) had a 1-0 lead on an own goal when Angel Serefin scored for the Cougars with an assist from teammate Sammy Avalos. Nick Williamson’s goal later in the first half broke the tie.
“It was a good game,” Clear Lake head coach Kevin O’Brien said. “We played down a man the entire way. We’re hurting for numbers this year and we have a lot of guys who haven’t played before.”
O’Brien said a strong back line of brothers Peyton and Nolan Ewing and Anthony Salmeron anchored the Clear Lake defense.
“The back line looked really good,” O’Brien said. “Those guys are really starting to jell, it’s fun to watch them progress.”
Several Upper Lake players turned in commendable performances, according to Santana, including freshman keeper Kyler Brothers.
“He stepped up and stopped some hard shots,” Santana said. “He had six saves.
Avalos, a midfielder, was another standout.
“He’s a midfielder, but he gave me rock-solid play all over the field,” Santana said.
Both teams are back in action Thursday. Clear Lake hits the road for its North Central League I opener at Willits while Upper Lake hosts Credo in non-league action.
