Honkers starve Bulldogs for road win

The Willows High boys soccer team won on the road Thursday afternoon, sinking seven goals to get a big 7-0 victory over Los Molinos, making them 4-0 in the Sacramento Valley League.

The Honkers have been on a scoring run throughout the season, and Thursday was no exception. Team high scorer Salvador Gonzalez is the epitome of striker cool. Calm and collected on the pitch, he remained a looming figure on the Bulldogs' side throughout the match, putting his size and speed to good use. Despite not having a low center of gravity like many talented soccer players, Gonzalez has ample ball-handling skills.

Gonzalez was the first to hit the back of the Los Molinos net, burning two defenders that stayed in the back-field during a press from the Bulldogs in the 10th minute of the meeting.

The second goal from the Honkers would come shortly after, when David Gonzalez made a speedy break from the side after a pass, to hammer the black and white past the Los Molinos keeper and into the net only five minutes after Salvador Gonzalez's goal.

The time between the Willows goals was well spent for the Los Molinos side, as they played great defense against the fast-paced, and tactically advanced Honkers.

The Bulldogs goalkeeper had an excellent save during the beginning of the game, when he slid out and used his feet to clear the ball away from the net and the Willows players.

Still, after two goals, the Honkers smelled blood in the water and went for it. David Gonzalez nabbed his second goal of the afternoon during the 20th minute, when he zipped past the keeper and hit the ball right down the middle and into the goal.

The Willows side ran with the momentum they found after the third score, and offered up a showing of their many talents.

The fourth goal from Willows came in the 30th minute by way of a cross from Fernando Cervantes that landed smoothly in the left corner, escaping the hands of the Los Molinos keeper.

Little time would lapse before the Honkers scored again, this time from the far right and from Salvador Gonzalez again in the 35th minute.

The Bulldogs defense was a little worn from all the abuse they had taken in the first half, and despite playing hard and with much effort, allowed one last goal from the Honkers in the 40th minute, again coming from hot-footed Salvador Gonzalez. Willows leapt into half-time with a 6-0 lead over Los Molinos.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the Bulldogs' starting keeper would leave the game after injuring his arm.

The beginning of the second half saw Los Molinos make a considerable effort to put some points on the board, with the Bulldogs playing aggressive and driven.

Both Adriana Langarcia and Alfonso Langarcia could be seen sprinting up and down the field for Los Molinos at any moment. When a Willows player drilled in a shot on goal, the Bulldogs' keeper was there, punching it over the top of the cross bar to keep the score at 6-0.

The Honkers would go on to test the Los Molinos grit later, with a seventh and last goal when Fernando Cervantes sent his second of the day into the far-right corner before the 60th minute. The game was not sewn up however, and the Bulldogs soldiered on with their attack until the end.

Despite the score on the board, both teams played with heart and right up until the end of the game.

After the matchup Willows coach Jose Cano summed up what makes his team so successful, saying, "We have worked hard building the soccer program and team up. Our team's success comes down to their chemistry. They enjoy one another, and have played (soccer) with one another for a long time. They are comfortable, get along well and work hard."

Willows are now 10-1-1, and 4-0 in the Sacramento Valley League-One. The Honkers face off against Esparto on the road Tuesday.

Los Molinos (0-5, 0-3 SVL-One) plays at Colusa Tuesday.

CONTACT Emily Saint-Evens at 824-7990 or esaintevens@tcnpress.com