BOYS’ SOCCER SPORT SHORTS, 2011-12–
(For the previous game, check out the Boys’ soccer sport shorts: Sierra Tournament (Day Two). Scrimmages do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for boys’ soccer features. For a simple overview of scores and upcoming games, check the Winter sport box scores, 2011-12 for dates, opponents and times for all Eagle sports.)

Be sure to visit the 2011-12 boys’ soccer schedule, home page, or check out Maxpreps.com. FC is currently 0-0 in the West Sequoia League and 1-8 overall as of Dec. 9. The Eagles will next travel to play in the Garces Holiday Soccer Festival, Dec. 16-17 and first play Avalon.

BOYS’ SOCCER, 2011-12

EAGLES DEFEAT IMMANUEL, FINISH 1-3–Dec. 8-9
The Eagles traveled to play in the Fowler Lions Tournament against Kingsburg and Caruthers on the first day and then Immanuel and Liberty-Madera Ranchos on the second, Dec. 8-9.

For the first day, FC played Kingsburg again, as they lost to them in the Sierra Tournament 4-0, and struggled, losing 3-0. Ten minutes after this game, the Eagles took the field to play Caruthers and failed to put up any offense and lost 8-0.

Senior Tae Min Oh says despite the losses he feels they are making progress as a team and coming closer to playing well as a team.

“We are improving a lot, because we are getting know how to pass and how to play,” Oh said. “Some other good things is that our team is learning about the positions and motions of the game.”

However, on the second day the Eagles siezed their first win of the season, beating Immanuel 3-0. Sophomore David Taylor scored the first goal off of a deflected shot by JP Caprioglio, ’13. The Eagles continued their lead with a goal by captain Austin Rurik, ’12, and one by Caprioglio.

“It was very exciting to score the first goal of the season,” Taylor said. “It also motivated me for the next game that we played because I was so pumped up and the team was too.”

Then, FC played Liberty and found their offense too much to handle as they ulitmately lost 3-1. The one goal scored was by junior Juan Ruelas early in the second half.

Taylor also says this was an important step in their season to get their first win.

“I think we did good overall in the tournament,” Taylor said. “It’s the beginning of the season and we have more stuff to work on in order for us to have a undefeated season.”

Head coach Matt Markarian says he is now looking forward to the Garces Tournament and hopes for a good result from his team.

“I have big hopes for Garces and I will be a little disappointed if we do not win the tournament,” Markarian said. “We are ready for the challenge and with the return of [senior] Josh Hopper we will be a full strength for the first time all season.”

The Eagles will next travel to play in the Garces Holiday Soccer Festival, Dec. 16-17 and first play Avalon.