The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ varsity soccer team built a first-half lead and continued creating chances late in Tuesday’s matchup with Equipo Academy, falling 3-1 at Mike Morgan Park on Oct. 20. Lorenzo Montaño scored the Trojans’ goal, while goalkeeper Jessie Barajas-Roman made several saves throughout an afternoon that saw both teams work to turn possession into scoring opportunities.
Pahrump now turns its attention to the playoffs, which begin Saturday, Oct. 24. The Trojans will play at noon in Pahrump, giving the team another opportunity to compete in front of its home supporters.
Tuesday’s contest opened with activity near both goals, but defensive clearances kept either team from finding an early finish. Blake Edie-Dixon and Miguel Frias-Esparza worked together to disrupt an Equipo advance with approximately 32 minutes remaining in the first half, sending the ball out of bounds as the visitors moved toward goal.
Pahrump tested Equipo’s goalkeeper a minute later when TC Hone sent a deep shot toward the net, forcing the keeper to reach up for the save. The Trojans also worked for opportunities from the corner and along the sidelines as they looked for an opening.
At the other end, Barajas-Roman collected a long shot with approximately 27 minutes remaining and quickly sent the ball back into play with a strong throw. He added another stop on an attempt from the left wing near the 22-minute mark, dropping to his knees to secure the ball.
Equipo’s corner kicks brought additional pressure later in the half. Barajas-Roman knocked one delivery away from goal, and Frias-Esparza helped complete the clearance after the ball remained in play. Another Equipo corner traveled across the goal area and out on the opposite side.
The Trojans broke through with 9:30 remaining before halftime. A quick pass found Montaño, who controlled the ball, squared himself toward goal and finished from the right-center side to give Pahrump a 1-0 lead.
Montaño threatened again with approximately two minutes left, sprinting up the right wing before sending a long attempt just over the goal. Hone and Ryan Nunez Manzo also combined to move the ball forward during the closing stretch. Nunez Manzo sent a ball across the front of goal that the keeper deflected, and Pahrump carried its one-goal advantage into halftime.
Equipo increased its pressure after the break. Barajas-Roman came toward the edge of the box to collect a ball early in the half, but the visitors tied the match with approximately 30 minutes remaining, finishing a shot from the left side into the right side of the net.
Barajas-Roman continued making stops, gathering a high ball near the front of the box and catching a free kick from just outside the penalty area after Pahrump formed a defensive wall.
The Trojans generated chances to move back in front. Hone sent a deep attempt to the right of goal, and another low Pahrump shot forced Equipo’s keeper to his knees. Montaño worked the ball up the right side to earn a corner, while Nunez Manzo added another long attempt.
Equipo took a 2-1 lead with approximately 18 minutes remaining, finishing after Barajas-Roman got a hand to a free kick delivered from the left sideline. The visitors added their third goal near the 15-minute mark.
Pahrump continued pursuing opportunities through the final minutes. A late free kick forced the keeper to jump and deflect the ball, earning the Trojans a corner and another chance near goal. Roberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez later sent a free kick over the crossbar following an Equipo yellow card.
Rene Gonzalez Valdez also delivered a cross from the right side that Montaño met with a header, sending the attempt just right of the goal. Although the Trojans were unable to close the gap, they continued working for a finish until the final whistle.
That attacking effort will carry into Saturday’s postseason opener, when Pahrump takes their home field at noon with a chance to extend the season.
