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Playoff-bound OHS Warriors defeat Wildcats 6-2
OHS boys
Jaun Haro (18) shoots for a goal over Wildcat defenders on Friday nights’ victory. - photo by Alex Ramirez

Warriors boys soccer was victorious over the Waterford Wildcats on Friday night in an out-weighted shootout that ended in a score of 6-2 against their SAL league opponent. 

The Warriors are now 12-8-4 for the season, 6-1-3 in league, placing them 3rd in the SAL. Head coach Jose Serrato said he is aiming for 1st place in the league.

“We felt better as soon as we started playing,” said Serrato. “The guys start playing the way we want them to play, passing the ball, combining, communicating and of course, with the two quick goals, which is always good.”

The Warriors were confident going into the game against Waterford with the addition of their new player, Juan Esquivez (12), who previously played in a record breaking 2023 football season. The Warriors are aligning to battle for first place in the SAL league.

“He’s started on defense of center, but especially because we lost some grades. Now he came in and stepped up this year. He’s a starter,” Serrato commented on the addition of Esquivez.

The Warriors were aggressive on offense with three goals in the first period and no answer from the Wildcats until the second period. Leading scorer Alfredo Figueroa (10) accounted for three goals against the Wildcats. Slightly trailing behind him, Brian Carmona (7) notched two goals for the night. 

“I feel very good and I’m positive that they can do the work going forward,” said Serrato. 

Defensively, goalkeeper Oscar Tovar (0) had three saves for the night. Limiting the Wildcats to only two goals in the second half, the Warriors allowed their offensive scheme to attack the goal, ultimately accounting to the large gap in score. Coach now looks forward to the playoff outlook.

“We have to beat most of them,” said Serrato. “We want to get second place, first place possibly. Depends on how Delhi does and Denair. First, we must beat Denair, on the last game. If we do that, then we have a pretty good chance, overall, getting a good seed in playoffs.”

This week, the Warriors continued their pursuit to playoffs. There are only three league games remaining in the season and two home games this week. Gustine traveled to Denair on Tuesday and then they will host Ripon Christina at 5 p.m. Friday. The season ends on Monday, when the Reds travel to Delhi.