Centurions win 2-0 on the road against West Ranch; plus, scores from around the Foothill League from both boys’ and girls’ soccer
For the first time since the 2015-16 season, the Saugus boys’ soccer team remains unbeaten through the first four games of the year after a 2-0 road win over West Ranch.
“The fact that we start league so much earlier, we didn’t have any preseason games, and our only preseason contest was canceled due to rain,” said Saugus head coach Seth Groller. “So, coming in it was a little bit nerve-racking … but coming out, it’s nice to see the composure from the goalkeeper to the midfielders, to our three-up top. We are playing as a team, and I really see this team doing some great things.”
Through the first four games, the Centurions (4-0, 4-0) have a 7-2 goal differential, including back-to-back clean sheets from Saugus goalkeeper Ethan Murillo.
Murillo, who hasn’t allowed a goal in two consecutive games against Valencia and West Ranch (4-2, 3-1), has been a big contributor to the team’s success of the season.
And with four straight road matches, Groller added that he’s proud of his team from the goalkeeper to attackers for staying focused for every minute.
“We knew that [the West Ranch Wildcats] were going to be a good team that was going to pressure us, and I feel like the first 10 minutes they had us a little bit on our heels, trying to gain possession in our defensive half of the field,” Saugus head coach Seth Groller said. “But our defense did a fantastic job, and our goalkeeper, Ethan Murillo, just did a great job today to make sure that we get the clean sheet.”
In the 28th minute of the first half, Murillo made a crucial save to keep the game scoreles,s and four minutes later, Centurion forward Daniel Nilson scored the first goal with a tap-in off the West Ranch goalkeeper’s hand.
In the second half, the Centurions midfield managed a long pass to Caden Kessinger, who was one-on-one with the Wildcats goalkeeper and scored the second and final goal of the game.
“Caden Kessinger did a great job with his goal in the second half to give us that two-nothing lead,” Groller said. “Obviously, not every play is perfect, but we have the right guys back there with the right mindset.”
With the win, the Centurions began the Foothill League season 4-0 and play again next Thursday, for the team’s home-opener against the Hart Hawks.
As for West Ranch, the Wildcats recorded their second loss of the season, and the first of league play.
The Wildcats will look to bounce back at home hosting the Valencia Vikings on Thursday with kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m.
After Thursday’s night games, here all the scores from around the Foothill League.
Boys’ soccer
Valencia 3, Castaic 0: The Valencia Vikings (1-3, 1-2) secured their first win of the season on the road against the Castaic Coyotes (0-5-1, 0-3).
The win for the Vikings is Valencia’s first on the road as they play again on Thursday against the hosting West Ranch Wildcats.
As for Castaic, the Coyotes pick up Foothill League action again in January but play again in a non-league match on Friday at home against Del Sol of Oxnard.
Hart 0, Golden Valley 0: The Hawks (3-0-1, 2-0-1) remain unbeaten but finished Thursday’s night matchup against Golden Valley (2-2-1, 0-1-1) in a draw.
Neither team scored in the match, and the Hawks play again on Thursday at Saugus while the Grizzlies host the Canyon Cowboys.
Girls’ soccer
Saugus 3, West Ranch 1: The Centurions (4-0, 4-0) defeated the Wildcats (3-2, 2-2) for the team’s fourth consecutive win to begin the season.
The Centurions have a 13-2 goal differential through four games and play their next league match against the Hawks at Hart High School on Thursday.
As for West Ranch, the Wildcats will look to bounce back at Valencia High School with a matchup against the Vikings on Thursday.
Valencia 2, Castaic 0: The Vikings (1-3, 1-2) won their first Foothill League match of the season at home against the Castaic Coyotes (2-2, 2-2).
The Vikings play again on Thursday against the visiting West Ranch Wildcats, with the match set to kickoff at 5 p.m., while the Coyotes pick up league action again in January.
Hart 9, Golden Valley 1: The Hawks (3-1, 3-0) recorded their biggest win of the season with nine goals against the Grizzlies (0-7-1, 0-3).
Both teams play their next Foothill League match on Thursday, with the Hawks hosting the Centurions and the Grizzlies at Canyon High School to face the Cowboys.
Photos below from Saugus boys’ soccer win over West Ranch:
