Saturday, March 11, 2017

Lumberjack and Lady Jack Soccer Clubs Battle Wintery Weather In El Dorado Tournament Saturday

Junior Lumberjack Forward Daniel Mondragon dispatches his second of two goals against Hermitage in Saturdays El Dorado Tournament.
Solid defensive work and a persistent presence offensively saw the Warren Lumberjacks through to finishing second, winning 2 out of 3 games, in Saturday’s El Dorado Soccer Tournament.

The Lady Jacks took 2 of their 3 games played in the non-conference tourney as well, also finishing in second in the girls tournament.

Sophomore Lady Jack Winger/Striker Isabel Densmore takes a throw-in during the Warren Girls' second game of the El Dorado Tournament.
In a bit of irony, the warm temperatures that all of us in South Arkansas have been enjoying these past few weeks finally disappeared and were replaced by an arctic cold front that brought bitterly cold air and rain, a sure sign that high school soccer, baseball, and softball are in full swing.  Credit must go to the Lumberjack men’s and women’s Soccer Clubs who braved Saturday’s wintery weather to play 3 games a piece in one day, a tough feat for any soccer team.

The Lumberjack Boys opened up the tournament early Saturday morning with a 1-0 win over El Dorado.  The Lady Jacks played their first of 3 games against El Dorado’s girls team immediately following the boys game at around 9am, but were just edged out 3-1.

The Lumberjacks played their second game of the day at 3pm against Hermitage. Ten minutes into the match, after a few close chances, the Lumberjacks were awarded a free kick in a promising area around 12 yards outside of the box.  A nice whipped in ball was headed in by Junior Lumberjack Daniel Mondragon.  Moments later the Lumberjacks had another close effort from Junior Santiago Garcia go just wide.  The 1-0 lead was extended before the halftime break however, when Gadiel Garay knocked one home.


Early in the second half Warren put together a nice period of possession football.  A few intricate passes on the offensive end led to another goal scoring opportunity for Mondragon.  One-on-one with the keeper, he calmly tucked the ball away into the net to extend the Lumberjack’s lead to 3-0.  Late in the ballgame Sophomore striker Javier Tinoco put the period mark on the match as he took control of the ball just inside the final third of field, followed closely by his co-forward Mondragon.  No pass was necessary though, as Tinoco quickly tapped in Warren’s final goal of the game.

It was a strong effort defensively for the Lumberjacks, who had a wonderful few matches among the midfield and back four.  Senior Sergio Yepes, Junior Avery Rhoden, and Sophomore Omar Villarreal all had stand out performances.  The Lumberjacks won their second game vs. Hermitage by the final of 4-0.

The Lady Jacks next took to the field for their second match of the day, also vs. Hermitage.  In the first half Senior Denisha Stallings, who has been in top form as of late, continued her positive run with two goals.

The Warren girls’ lead was soon extended before the half through a goal from Senior Leticia Crisostomo who has also been in superb form.  Hannah Richey, one of the Senior leaders on this Lady Jack squad, had another outstanding match.  She would add a final fourth goal before the half.

With the Lady Jacks scheduled to play another match immediately following their game against Hermitage, a number of subs were made at the midway break.  Both teams went scoreless in the second half, and the final was Warren over Hermitage 4-0.

In the final games for both clubs on the night, the Warren Boys dropped a close match to conference rivals Hamburg by the score of 2-0.  The Warren Girls stepped up and put together a terrific 5-0 win over the Hamburg Lady Lions.  Neither of these games vs. Hamburg count towards the conference record.

After round robin play, the Lumberjack Boys Soccer Club finished second to the Hamburg Lions in the El Dorado Tournament.  The Lady Jacks finish the tournament in second behind El Dorado.

Both the Lumberjack and Lady Jack Soccer Clubs will face Vilonia next Thursday, March 16 at home in Warren.  That game will not be carried live on the NFHS Network, so be sure to come on out to Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium and support these student athletes.

MORE PICTURES BELOW
Senior Lumberjack Victor Xcharicata streams down the right wing.

Sophomore Forward Javier Tinoco(right) knocks home the Lumberjacks fourth goal in Warren's second game of the El Dorado Tournament.

Senior Lumberjack Gadiel Garay trots back to midfield after scoring for Warren.

Daniel Mondragon takes a corner kick for Warren.

During the second half, Daniel Mondragon, who scored two goals earlier in the second of Warren's three games in the El Dorado Tournament, watches from the bench while getting a breather after a superb performance.

Senior Lady Jack Striker Hannah Richey storms down the left wing looking to get a cross in the box.

Senior Lady Jack Forward Denisha Stallings charges ahead early in the second ballgame of the El Dorado Tournament for Warren's Girls.

Sophomore Lady Jack Isabel Densmore prepares to take a corner kick.

Several Lady Jacks watch in agony as a close cross in effort goes missed just wide.

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