The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
There was no shortage of opportunities for Wilson and Long Beach Poly on Tuesday night, as the pair battled out their rivalry matchup in a 1-1 draw at Wilson.
Each goal from either team came in the second half starting with Wilson’s Leah Garcia in the 48th minute off of a Kai Fontenot assist. Makayla Quesada responded for Poly in the 66th minute with the equalizing goal off of a deflection.
“(Garcia) is a senior with experience and she’s been with me for four years,” said Wilson coach Brian Irvin. “We rely on her heavily and we want her to continue to get going this year. She had a goal over the weekend in our tournament and tonight against a big rivalry opponent so hopefully that’ll continue to grow.”
“After they scored I got really fired up and I knew I just had to take any shot that I could find,” said Quesada of her tying goal. “I saw it and I thought ‘I just have to hit it.’ Thankfully it went to the top corner and it was good.”
After the game, both Irvin and Long Beach Poly coach Angel Zavala credited missed opportunities for their team’s inability to find a lasting lead. The two teams racked up a total of 21 shots, 11 of which were on goal.
“I thought we had some good chances but that’s soccer,” Irvin said. “If you don’t put them away then you leave the other team in the game. They found some opportunities in the second half and then a deflection goal kind of kills you.”
“It was us just not finishing and not taking up the chances we got and putting them in the back of the net,” added Zavala of his team. “I liked the amount of opportunities we had but we have to put those away.”
Wilson controlled the ball in the first half but took up until the 20th minute to take their first shot. The Bruins settled for quality looks at the goal including a set piece from Ryan Sorenson and a header from Avery Doherty as they outshot Poly 4-3 in the first half.
“In the first half I wish we would have put one away because we would have had more confidence going into the second half,” said Irvin. “(Poly) makes it tough for you. They’re always physical and pretty stingy defensively. I thought we had some good chances though.”
Poly goalie Caitlyn Jung played a big role in the ability to fend off the Wilson attack as she racked up two important saves in the half of her five total. Leah Salas also did a good job on defense tracking back to help out near midfield.
“My defense played well,” said Zavala. “We have a good group back there and I’m very confident in them.”
The Jackrabbits attack held their own after the break and outshot Wilson in the half 10-4. Aaya Mclyn found a good look from near midfield minutes before Quesada’s goal.
“We have quite a few seniors over there,” Zavala said of his attack” I told them that it’s their last time playing here. I told them to make it count. (Quesada’s) goal was huge and we needed to run with that energy but we just couldn’t put them away tonight.”
Both teams still control their own destiny early in the Moore League season as Long Beach Poly will look to get back in the win column on Thursday at Cabrillo. Wilson will also be on the road Thursday at Jordan.
