After suffering their first league loss, the Wilson boys’ soccer team was ready to get back on the pitch Thursday on the road against Jordan. The result keeps Wilson in first place in the Moore League standings.
The Panthers (2-4-1, 2-4-1) didn’t make it easy for the Bruins as Jordan jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute thanks to an Elmer Cubias goal.
Wilson (8-2, 6-1) rallied thanks to goals from Daniel Cervantes and David Herrera on set pieces which gave the Bruins the 2-1 victory.
Up against a tough Jordan defense, Wilson used three formations throughout the match.
“We played 3-4-3, 4-4-2 and we played 4-5-1 all on the fly,” Wilson coach CJ Brewer said. “So, I guess that the key to the game was our players ability to morph throughout the game.”
After their loss to Poly, Jordan had the Bruins on their heels early on as their aggressive play style led to Cubias’ goal midway through the first half.
With some adjustments and stellar play from sophomore goalkeeper Gavin Pool-Harris,who had nine saves, the Bruins withstood Jordan’s attack and the offense was able to create enough opportunities to score.
“He’s known for being one of the top goalkeepers,” Jordan coach Joe Gonzalez said. “He did his job. We tried our best to keep the pressure on.”
After taking a 1-0 lead, Wilson’s Cubias scored to tie the game at one heading into halftime.
In the second half, David Herrera scored the eventual game-winner when he scored off a pass from Fernando Ramirez in the 55th minute.
For Herrera, it was a relief to get the win after Wilson said the team wasn’t at its best in the first half.
“We weren’t together in the first half,” Herrera said. “We were just all over the place. Second half we definitely picked it up.”
Both teams will be back in action on Tuesday when Jordan faces Lakewood and Wilson takes on Cabrillo.
