BOYS’ SOCCER SPORT SHORTS, 2008-09–
(Latest soccer shorts will be at the top of the section. Scroll down to check out past results. Tournament and scrimmage games do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for soccer features)

For the 2008-09 schedule or standings and stats click on Maxpreps.com. The Eagles finished the season at 4-15-3 overall and 0-7-1 in the West Sequoia League as of Feb. 13.

BOYS’ SOCCER, 2008-09

[Season End]

UPDATE: FC’s senior goal keeper Vince Cabias and junior fullback Gerald Bell were named first team all West Sequoia League for the season.

EAGLES COMPETE IN FINAL GAME–Feb. 13
A rainy final game in Caruthers saw the Blue Raiders grind out a 1-0 win over FC, Feb. 13.

The Eagles finished the season at 4-15-3 overall and 0-7-1 in the West Sequoia League as of Feb. 13.

The game lacked any exciting moments but will always be remembered by the seniors and their families. The months of hard work finally finished, and although there was a sense of relief, the atmosphere seemed sadden by the season’s end.

Senior Vincent Cabias played all four years of high school and and will never forget the lasting memories from the season.

“I wish we had more success during this season but being with this team made every game and practice fun. I look forward to continuing my soccer career during college and I’ll have to wait and see where it takes me,” Cabias said.

Although the Eagles struggled to win the majority of their games, the fun never ended for the boys on the team. For next year’s season, FC soccer is focusing on improving their skills by joining club teams during the off season.

Freshman Sean Carter sacrificed all his energy the entire season and plans to continue during the rest of the year.

Hopefully next season the returning players will improve on their skill so we can dominate,” Carter said. “I will be joining a soccer league during the last months of school along with another league during summer to make sure I’ll be at my best for the upcoming season.”

With the final game over junior Gerald Bell prepares for next season.

“As the only returning senior I plan to lead the team with hard work and encouragement. This past season was awesome and I am going to miss the seniors a lot.”

TRANQUILLITY BLOWS EAGLES AWAY–Feb. 10
With a quick skillful attack, the Tigers netted four 1st half goals against FC and went on to win 8-0, Feb. 10.

“There’s not many positive notes to mention about today’s game,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “Our defense could not figure out how to stop the pace and quickness of their attack. We did manage to make two scoring opportunities for ourselves, but both were missed.”

Both FC scoring chances came in the 2nd half, with both involving senior midfielder Shane Darakjian. FC’s best chance to score came when Darakjian’s shot from 18 yards out sailed high and wide.

Freshman Sean Carter, “This past season was a lot of work but I had fun the whole time. Hopefully next season the returning players will improve their skills and next season will be even better.”

For the game, Tiger goalkeeper Hugo Berber was not forced to make a single save.

The Eagles will next play at Caruthers, Feb. 13, 3:30 p.m.

COWBOYS DEFEAT EAGLES IN RAINY SHOOTOUT–Feb. 6
In a high-scoring affair, Riverdale bested FC, 3-2, in the rainiest game of the season so far, Feb. 6.

The Eagles goals were scored by senior John Dinsdale, and junior David Eskandar.

Check back later for a complete summary of the game.

The Eagles will next play at Tranquillity, Feb. 10, 3:30 p.m.

PANTHERS BEST EAGLES–Feb. 3
Despite coming off a big performance versus Fowler, the Eagles came out lacking in intensity against WSL No. 1 Parlier, which led to a 2-0 loss, Feb. 3.

Though FC played hard-nose defense, their offense failed to generate many scoring opportunities.

The Panthers converted a 1-on-1 scoring drive to score their first goal, 15 minutes into the game. After a Parlier forward won a foot-race to the ball, he dribbled right at senior goalie vince Cabias and tapped the ball past him into the goal.

The rest of the half remained scoreless, but 5 minutes into the second half Parlier was on the attack again. The referee awarded the Panthers a penalty kick inside the 18.

However Cabias made a good read on the kick, and made a diving stop. Shortly after the goalie moved to the forward position as FC attempted to give their struggling offense a boost.

Freshman Jake Sorenson replaced Cabias as goalie, and did not allow a single goal for the remainder of the contest. He fully stretched out to stop a penalty kick, knocking it out of bounds and helping his team regain control.

“I wasn’t too nervous about the penalty kick, but I knew I had to block the shot since I’ll hopefully be taking over Vince’s position next year,” Sorenson said. “They’re big shoes to fill but with hard work and practice I know I can do well.”

FC TIES UP FOWLER–Jan. 30
The Eagles forced the hand of the West Sequoia League’s No. 2 team, tying Fowler, 1-1, Jan. 30.

“This was a fantastic game that was hard fought from beginning to end,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “Our young team has discovered how to play hard and find ways to compete against anyone we play. We practice hard and efficiently every day.”

Just 10 minutes into the game, Fowler connected on a goal from 6 yards out off an FC missed mark, to take the early lead.

The Eagles equalized with 10 minutes to go in the half when junior defender Gerald Bell knocked home a perfectly placed corner-kick from senior Shane Darakjian.

Early in the second half, freshman Sean Carter and senior John Dinsdale slammed heads while both going for a header. Dinsdale took most of the brunt, with a 3-inch gash on his forehead, and neither player returned to the game.

In an attempt to boost his team to victory, senior goal keeper and Fresno Fuego hopeful Vince Cabias made a season-high 16 saves. Cabias also booted high-arching kicks from the goal box, most of which carried past midfield and put his team in scoring position.

The upperclassmen made big plays throughout the game for the Eagles, however it was freshman Jake Sorenson that most impressed Markarian.

“Jake has really established himself as an amazing player,” Markarian said. “His effort and tenacity is remarkable for a freshman. He has taken his game to another level late in the season.”

EAGLES COME UP SHORT–Jan. 27
For the 4th consecutive league game, FC stumbled, falling this time to Caruthers, 2-1, Jan. 27.

FC opened the game on the offensive as they kept the ball on Caruthers’ side of the field for most of the first 15 minutes.

“They were doing everything Matt and I asked them to do,” assistant coach Tyler Enns said. “They were telling each other where they were going and where they wanted the ball sent to, and that created many near goals.”

Finally the Blue Raiders began attacking the Eagles in the 16th minute, scoring a goal by catching FC off guard. A Carthers’ forward headed in a ball from right of the goal just past the outstretched reach of senior goalie Vince Cabias.

FC came out of halftime hot, and quickly evened up the game on a goal from senior forward Brian Weskcamp in the 10th minute. Freshman Jake Sorenson provided the assist off a steal and set Weskamp up for the open 18-yarder.

However the Blue Raiders retaliated less than a minute later to take the lead ? a lead that they would not lose. The Eagles lost 5th straight game despite having more scoring opportunities than their opponent.

With the loss Caruthers improved to 1-1 in West Sequoia League play, while FC dropped to 0-2.

The Eagles will next play at Fowler, Jan. 30, 3:30 p.m.

TIGERS TOO GOOD FOR EAGLES IN THE RAIN–Jan. 23
Despite pouring rain the Eagles battled Tranquillity, Jan. 23, and the Tigers proving to be the stronger team with a 4-0 victory.

On top of battling each other, the players also faced tough field conditions with rain falling for 3 quarters of the game.

With the victory, Tranquillity improved to 10-3 overall and is currently 2nd in the Northwest Sierra League.

The Eagles will next host Caruthers, Jan. 27, 3:30 p.m.

EAGLES LOSE LEAD, GAME–Jan. 20
Though the Eagles forged a 1-0 lead in the 1st half, Riverdale tied the game before halftime and went on the win, 4-2, Jan. 20.

Freshman Jake Sorenson chipped the ball over the Cowboys goalie 10 minutes into the game giving his team the early lead. FC stayed ahead until 2 minutes before halftime when Riverdale evened up the score on a shot from close range off a corner kick.

The second half was dominated by the Cowboys, as they went on the score 3 more goals to win going away. Riverdale gained the advantage by keeping the ball on the Eagles side of the field the majority of the time.

Junior defender Gerald Bell’s second goal of the season, got the Eagles within 2 goals, but they would get no closer.

PARLIER OUTRACES FC–Jan. 16
With superior passing and footwork, Parlier defeated the Eagles, 6-0, Jan. 16.

The Panthers improved to 10-1-1 overall and holds the best record in the West Sequoia League.

“We did not play well,” senior forward John Dinsdale said. “We failed to go hard throughout the game.”

FOWLER AGGRESSION TOO MUCH FOR FC–Jan. 13
In the 1st league game of the season, the Eagles’ defense allowed 4 goals in the 1st half and FC never recovered, stumbling to a 4-0 loss, Jan. 13.

Fowler quickly scored in the 1st 5 minutes of the game and did not let up on their aggression after that, coming up with 3 addition goals before the contest ended.

The Redcats utilized their quickness to spread out the field on offense and attack the FC defense. Senior John Dinsdale summed up the game with the following: “They simply out-worked us.”

Though, they failed to generate any scoring opportunities in the 1st half, FC improved by taking the ball down the sides of the field and making crosses. This improvement gave Eagles forwards the opportunity to score but they never connected.

In an attempt to savage the game, senior Vincent Cabias made several saves during the game. A standout effort came in the 1st half, when Cabias leaped half way across the net to block a rocket shot from scoring. The goalie stopped the ball, despite having his vision impaired by other defenders and Redcat attackers.

The Eagles will next host Parlier, Jan. 16, 3:30 p.m.

EAGLES TIE-UP DOS PALOS–Jan. 6
After watching the FC girls’ game end in a tie, the boys followed suit, finishing their game in a 1-1 deadlock with Dos Palos, Jan. 6.

“I was not happy with our effort,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “We were obviously rusty from Christmas break and did not play with our usual intensity and effort. Hopefully we will rebound with a better game on friday against Mission Prep.”

The Eagles struck 1st on an goal by freshman Jake Sorenson 20 minutes into the game. From the far right side of the field, the forward attempted a cross to teammates in the middle. However, he sliced the pass and ended up scoring when the ball soared over the Broncos goalie into the left side of the net.

Dos Palos equalized the game 3 minutes later on a corner kick from the right corner. A Bronco attacker ran unmarked to the goal and headed the ball into the goal.

The sudden scoring barrage of both teams ended abruptly, as neither could generate many scoring opportunities there after.

The Eagles will next host Mission Prep, Jan. 9, 3 p.m.

LATON GAME CANCELLED–Dec. 23
The Eagles match-up with the Laton Mustangs was cancelled due to the business of the holiday season, Dec. 23

GARCES HOLIDAY FESTIVAL–Dec. 19-20
BURROUGHS DISPOSE OF EAGLES IN 3RD PLACE GAME–Dec. 20
In an extremely physical 3rd place game of the Garces Holiday Festival, Burroughs prevailed over the Eagles, 2-0, in Bakersfield, Dec. 20.

After a well-played 1st half, which ended in a 0-0 tie, the Burros came alive early in the 2nd with a goal. Shortly after the Eagle offense was devastated when freshman forward Austin Rurik when down with an injury.

The loss of their top scoring threat and the single goal deficit proved to much for FC to overcome as another Burros goal with 10 minutes to go put the game out of reach.

“I was very pleased with how we played most of the weekend,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “Our team shows up to play very hard every game. We will be a force to be reckoned with in the new year when our league starts.”

Though they dropped their final game of the Garces tournament, the Eagles received word that the opening game of the season vs. Kingsburg (a 1-1 tie) had been ruled an FC victory after it was discovered that the Vikings had competed with ineligible players.

The Eagles record is currently 5-6 overall as of Dec. 20.

EAGLES OUTPLAY COAST UNION IN TIE–Dec. 20
Despite out playing their opponents, the Eagles were forced to settle for a 0-0 tie with Coast Union in the Garces Holiday Festival tournament, Dec. 20.

While Coast Union attempted only 2 shots the entire game, FC challenged the Bronco defense with 14, but failed to net any.

The Eagles’ best chance to score came in the closing minutes. Sophomore Will Gonzales brought the ball down the left side of the field and crossed to a streaking (freshman) Jake Sorenson who volleyed the ball off the upper corner of the goal post.

Following the conclusion of regulation, the game was decided by penalty kicks. Clinching the win for the Eagles was a key save by senior goal keeper Vince Cabias, which preceded a successful shot by senior Shane Darakjian, and helped FC gain a 4-3 edge.

Markarian applauded his defense on the shutout effort.

“Even though we did not score we controlled the game and Coast never had a good opportunity to score,” Markarian said. “The tough play of (sophomore) Andrew Evans is becoming the signature of our defense.”

FRAZIER MOUNTAIN TOPS FC–Dec. 19
Despite playing a perfect defensive 1st half, the Eagles crumbled in the 2nd, falling to Frazier Mountain, 2-0 in the the Garces Holiday Festival, Dec. 19.

After battling for the entire 1st half, the 2 teams were right where they started the game-deadlocked at 0.

However the Falcons broke the game open with a soaring goal from 35 yards out that just avoided the outstretched reach of senior Vince Cabias that came only 10 minutes from the end of the game. Frazier Mountain crushed all Eagle hope 5 minutes later by scoring again, this time on a tap-in from close range.

“We were unable to match the effort we put out in the first game and they were able to take advantage,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “Hopefully we will learn that we need to play our best every game to have a chance to win.”

SCORING BARRAGE BEATS MOJAVE–Dec. 19
In a thrilling display of offense at the Garces Holiday Festival, the Eagles produced their highest goal total of the year, while shutting out Mojave, 3-0, Dec. 19.

Freshman forward Austin Rurik collected 2 goals to up his team-leading total to 5 for the season. Senior midfielder Shane Darakjian scored the other goal for his 2nd of the year.

“I was real happy with how we played,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “Our young team is growing and getting better every game.”

Rurik’s 1st goal opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game. After the goalie fumbled Darakjian’s free kick, the forward tapped the ball in from point blank to put FC up 1-0.

Just 10 minutes later Rurik was at it again, finishing off a miss by sophomore Will Gonzales from the left side, that rebounded right to him.

FC’s final goal came 5 minutes before the half, as the team capped off a strong 1st half statement. Darakjian took advantage of a defensive miscommunication, kicking in freebie from 25 yards out over the goalie’s head.

Senior goalie Vince Cabias played the 1st half then left the guardianship of the net to freshman Jake Sorenson. Together the pair combined for 3 saves and the shutout.

FARMERSVILLE KNOCKS OUT FC–Dec. 16
With a relentless offensive attack that kept the ball on the Eagles half of the field for the majority of the game, Farmersville beat FC 5-0, Dec. 16.

Playing 1 of the best teams in the valley, the Eagles came out sluggish in the first half. Though FC held the Aztecs scoreless for 30 minutes, the opposition eventually broke through with a goal on a miscommunication by the defense. Farmersville scored their second goal 2 minutes later on another defensive miscue, putting them up 2-0 at the midway point.

Although the Eagles failed to produce any plays on offense, 5’2″ freshman Sean Carter put forth a solid effort at midfield. The team carries a surplus of freshman this year that have helped push the team to solid overall performances.

“It’s hard being a lot smaller than the other guys out there,” Carter said. “But that just drives me to push harder and prove I can play varsity soccer.”

During the second half the Eagles were continually forced to defend the back of their net. However, FC fought to push the ball around the field in hope for a goal. In the end three more goals were scored by the Aztecs to seal the outcome of the contest.

Freshman forward Austin Rurik had several chances to score but a tough Farmersville defense closed the gap and kept the ball out of their net.

“Tonight we grew as a team and realized when we play our game we are as good as anyone,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “However when we let down we can give up goals. I was extremely proud of how we played in the second half of the game, and felt we gave Farmersville all they could handle.”

SIERRA DEFEATS EAGLES IN MOUNTAINS–Dec. 12
As the cold mountain air froze the athletes, Sierra also froze the Eagles offensive attack shutting out FC, 2-0, Dec. 12.

14 minutes into the game the Cheiftains’ Marshall Marlett, ’10, scored in the early minutes of the 1st half, setting the Eagles in “panic mode”. FC struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities but played with a strong desire to continue their 2 game winning streak.

Defender Andrew Evans, ?11, played with heart and determination working to stop any further goals from being scored in the 2nd half.

?I know our team has the ability to go a long way this season,? Evans said. ?As long as we continue to improve and hustle up and down the field, I am hopeful we?ll dominate in our league.?

With 5 minutes remaining in the game, FC adjusted their strategy by moving Gerald Bell, ’10, from sweeper to mid-field. This nearly produced a goal as Bell barely missed a header off a free kick from Austin Rurik, ’12.

Despite FC?s fight for victory, Marlett once again found the back of the net off a corner kick in the last few minutes of the second half stopping any chance of a last minute FC comeback.

“We continue to play exceptionally hard,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “I have never had a team that plays with the kind of effort this team plays with. I am very excited how we are developing and I am looking forward to what this season brings.”

SHORTHANDED EAGLES PULL OUT VICTORY–Dec. 9
In the renewal of an old rivalry with Immanuel, the short-handed Eagles prevailed 2-0, Dec. 9.

“This team plays with unbelievable heart and effort,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “The freshman continue to impress and lead the way with their effort and poised play.”

With the loss of Shane Darakjian (twisted knee) 10 minutes into the game, FC was left with no substitutes for the remainder of the game.

Midway through the 1st half, freshman Austin Rurik made up for an early short-range miss with a 10-yard goal off a pass from senior Brian Weskamp. The goal was the forward’s 3rd of the season and gave FC a 1-0 half-time lead.

Late in the 2nd half, Gerald Bell, ’10, iced the game with a goal from 12 yards out off a free kick from Rurik.

“I felt really good after scoring because some people think defenders only play defense,” Bell said. “It was cool to start off the year with a win. To beat Immanuel felt pretty good as well.”

In an unusual display of talent for a freshman, Rurik has accounted for 5 of FC’s 6 goals on the season with his 3 goals and 2 assists.

“He (Rurik) brings the flash and the fire,” Weskamp said. “He’s been one of the most valuable players on our team and is most of our offensive production.”

SIERRA MOUNTAIN MATCH-UP–Dec. 5-6
EAGLES HANDLE BRONCOS FOR FIRST WIN–Dec. 6
In earning their first victory of the season, the Eagles shutout Clovis North 2-0, in their final game of the Sierra Mountain Match-up, Dec. 6.

15 minutes into the game, FC scored when Shane Darakjian booted in a 25-yarder off of a free kick. His shot, placed just to the right center of the goal, rocketed past the goalie into the net.

“I am very impressed with the effort of our boys this past weekend,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “I was unsure of how our five freshmen starters would react, but they were super the entire weekend. We are very young and made some mistakes, but overall they played with poise and intensity. I am looking forward to what the season brings and seeing what these kids can accomplish.”

With 10 minutes remaining in the game, FC scored again when a high-arching free kick by Austin Rurik, ’12, went over the fingertips of the goalie and finished in the net.

“The difference this year is that we have a lot of freshman who give everything they have into the game,” Darakjian said. “We still need to work on slowing the game down and keeping our composure.”

Third-year starting goal keeper Vincent Cabias, ’09, registered his first shutout of the season.

“Vince is the unquestioned leader of our team,” Markarian said. “His amazing saves and on-field leadership keeps our team together when things are not going well. His hard work and dedication will leave a legacy on this team for many years to come. I am extremely proud of him and happy to see him become the best goalie in the valley.”

Though his young team made him a little apprehensive before the season, Cabias expressed enthusiasm toward his teammates and has a positive outlook on the year.

“Going into the season, I didn’t know what to expect, having a young and undersized team,” Vincent Cabias, ’09, said. “The passion and hard work of the freshman gives me a lot of hope and excitement for the season. We have already matched last year’s record, and with this being my senior season, I have high hopes for myself and my team.”

HAWKS WIN PHYSICAL CONTEST–Dec. 6
In a frustrating early morning game, the Eagles were shutout 2-0 by Liberty, Dec. 6.

“The game was very physical and we had few scoring chances,” head coach Matt Markarian said. “Several hard tackles and nine saves by (goalie) Vince Cabias (’09) highlighted our performance.”

About 20 minutes into the game, a Hawks forward received a pass on the right side of the penalty box, turned, and shot it into the upper right section of the net for a goal-breaking the tie.

Later in the second half, Liberty struck again on a goal by the same forward who this time put it in from the right side of the goal box, crossing the ball to the left side of the net.

Despite the disappointing game against the division IV Hawks, Drew Wiese, ’09, remained positive.

“I’d like to see us win