Mitchell Torre gets some air to head the ball over the defense in attempt to score a goal. (GSPN photo)
The Southern High Dolphins are dominating the regular season yet again, being the only team without a loss in the 2012 IIAAG high school boys’ soccer league thus far and only recording a tie against the St. John’s Knights. The Dolphins took home another win, defeating the Simon Sanchez Sharks 8-0 under the lights of the Okkodo field Saturday evening.
Nick Roberto led all scorers with four goals, three of which he scored in the first half.
“It feels good that I can help us win, especially that it’s my senior year,” said Roberto.
Already up 3-0 at the half, the Dolphins built a steady lead as they scored the bulk of their goals in the second half. Mitchell Torre refused to waste time on the field, notching in a goal for his Dolphins in the opening minutes of the half.
The McDonald’s player of the game: Dolphins’ Nick Roberto. 4 goals
A few minutes later, Roberto knocked in his final goal after a cross soared across the posts, simply heading into the net to put the Dolphins up 5-0.
In the 60th minute, Sydney Talledo headed in a loose ball for another goal for the Dolphins—his first of two. Next up, defender Peter Santiago was able to put in a goal of his own off a corner kick.
In the 71st minute and for the last goal of the game, Talledo scored in the same way as his first, heading in a loose ball after a shot was blocked.
During the first half, Roberto scored off two assists by winger Keith Surber, to take an early lead in the third and fifth minutes. Roberto’s third goal was a solo one in the 16th minute, as he sprinted up the line, outrunning and tripping up some of the Sanchez defense, and curving the ball into the goal with his left foot.
From then on the Sharks, were able to hold down the Dolphins, for the remainder of the half. However, the second half saw and even stronger Dolphins team that proved to overwhelm the competition.
Donovan Alger works the ball down the line to get around the Southern defense. (GSPN photo)
The Dolphins defense, led by Santiago had a stellar performance, giving the Sharks few opportunities at the goal.
The Competition
The GW Geckos and the St. John’s Knights seem to be to of the toughest challenges for the Dolphins as both teams gave the Dolphins a hard time.
“I know its going to be a little rough for us, but we’re ready because we’re practicing hard and hopefully its all just fun and games,” said Roberto.
The Dolphins ended the season with a perfect record last year but fell short in the championship to the St. John’s Knights, 2-0. This year, the Dolphins are hoping to end their season on a different note.
“We’ve been always runner up for the past few years; just hoping I can help us go to the championship and hopefully take it,” Roberto said.
In other games:
St. John’s def. Guam High 4-2
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Mitchell Torre seeks possession as he jumps up for a header. (GSPN photo)
Southerns’ Mitchell Torre attempts a shot a the goal, while Sanchez’s Wes Shiroma gets in front to try and block the shot. (GSPN photo)
Striker Wes Shiroma taps the ball overhead to get past the Dolphins defense. (GSPN photo)
Southern’s Nick Roberto attempts a shot in the first half, while Sanchez’s James Mendiola defends. (GSPN photo)