The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ junior varsity soccer team scored three times during the opening half and protected its advantage after the break to earn a 3-1 victory over the Moapa Valley Pirates at home Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The Trojans began creating opportunities almost immediately, putting a shot on goal during the opening minute. Moapa Valley answered with two quick attempts, but Pahrump settled into the game and began spending more time in its attacking end.
Anthony Aguilar tested the Pirates’ goalkeeper with a deep shot before Jessie Barajas-Roman made a run along the left side and sent the ball toward the middle. The Trojans continued pressing until a cross from the right side reached Jose Aguilar, who struck a one-touch shot from approximately 20 yards out and placed it into the top of the net for a 1-0 lead.
Pahrump continued to create chances from both sides of the field. Timothy Clarke carried the ball up the right side and helped the Trojans earn a corner kick, while Anthony Aguilar had another attempt blocked by a defender.
The Trojans doubled their lead with eight minutes remaining in the half. Ian Baka worked the ball along the left side and sent a cross into the middle, where Anthony Aguilar quickly connected on a left-footed shot that found the right side of the goal.
Pahrump added another goal with approximately three minutes remaining. A long ball sent forward drew Tyler Leavitt into pursuit along the right side. The ball deflected near the goalkeeper and continued rolling into the net, giving the Trojans a 3-0 halftime advantage.
Sawyer Tillery took over in goal for the second half and made several important stops as Moapa Valley increased its pressure. He collected a high-bouncing ball, came off his line to gather another rolling attempt and later made a sliding deflection before stopping the Pirates’ follow-up shot.
The Trojans continued pushing forward as well. Corbin Larsen delivered a well-placed cross and later sent a corner kick into the box, but Pahrump was unable to connect for a fourth goal. Another opportunity developed on a breakaway, with the ball sent across the face of the goal before rolling narrowly wide.
Moapa Valley scored with 11 minutes remaining to cut the lead to 3-1, but the Trojans did not allow the Pirates to pull any closer. Tillery came to the edge of the box to deflect one final threat during the closing minutes.
Pahrump nearly added another goal when Jose Aguilar was tripped inside the box with 3:30 remaining. The Pirates’ goalkeeper stopped the penalty kick and Aguilar’s follow-up attempt, keeping the final margin at two goals.
The Trojans’ productive opening half and steady defensive work after the break carried them to the 3-1 home victory.
