Boys’ soccer ties with Duarte in final preseason game

By Noah Miyamae

Assoc. Sports Editor

The boys’ varsity soccer team tied with the Duarte Falcons on Thursday, January 7 at home by a score of 1-1. South Pasadena has improved to 2-4-1 after clinching a 2-1-1 record in its past 4 games.

The first half proved both teams to be evenly matched. Both South Pas and Duarte had notable possessions in the opening minutes. When Duarte had their first major offensive attempt, sophomore defender Hank Rainey cleared the ball out of danger. On the offensive side, senior striker James Tulin took a hard shot that went just wide right. South Pas improved its ball handling this game with many well-placed through ball passes during the half. Tulin passed the ball to sophomore striker Jack Renken, who took another strong shot that the goalie recovered. The Tigers finally converted their attempts to a goal when senior midfielder Oskar Hernandez fought for the ball in the Duarte penalty box that he eventually shot past the keeper toward the left side. The half would close with the Tigers leading 1-0.

The Tigers did not have as many offensive runs in the second half. However, the team continued to defend against the Duarte offense and limit chances for goals. Duarte would eventually tie up the game toward the middle of the half. The Falcons took a free kick that that became a penalty shot after a Tiger miscommunication and handball. WIth the goal from the penalty kick, the score was 1-1. The match would conclude at the same score as neither side could pull ahead in the closing minutes.

“Our touches and passing have greatly improved in these recent games,” junior defender Max Amido said, “We hope to carry over these aspects of our game into the start of league.”

 
The Tigers hope to rise to 3-4-1 and open up strong play to league when they face San Marino in South Pasadena’s first Rio Hondo matchup on Wednesday, January 13 at San Marino.