The Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) Trojans Boys’ soccer team kicked off their season with a two-game opener at home, showcasing both promise and areas for improvement under the guidance of Head Coach Andrew Norton.
In the first match on Monday, August 19, the Trojans faced off against the Cristo Rey St. Viator Royals, securing a decisive 6-1 victory. The Trojans’ three forwards each contributed two goals a piece, underscoring their offensive prowess. TC Hone emerged as the standout player of the game, not only netting two goals but also assisting on two more. “It was a good first game for us to start getting into our formations and motions,” Coach Norton remarked, adding that while the defense held strong, they were not heavily tested in this contest. The victory set a positive tone for the season, giving the team a chance to build confidence and refine their strategies.
The second match, however, presented a tougher challenge as the Trojans went up against the Virgin Valley Bulldogs on Tuesday, August 20. Despite an early lead, the game ended in a 7-3 defeat for PVHS. Caleb Sierra-Hudgens was named player of the game for his relentless effort, contributing one goal and one assist while applying constant pressure down the side throughout the match.
Reflecting on the loss, Coach Norton emphasized the importance of learning from the experience. “While some might view this game as a massive defeat, we are looking at it as a chance to see where our weaknesses lie, and use it as a stepping stone to better our team game,” he said. Norton highlighted that despite the loss, the team has already shown significant improvement compared to last year’s matches against Virgin Valley, where they were defeated 10-0 and 8-0.
The game revealed key areas needing attention, particularly in defensive coordination, midfield control, and overall awareness on the field. “We are definitely not playing heads-up soccer. Oftentimes our heads were looking down, leading to panic passes, missed shots, or takeaways,” Coach Norton explained. The team also struggled to maintain control in the midfield, which impacted their ability to dictate the pace of the game.
Goalkeeper Cayden Cowley had a standout performance despite the scoreline, recording 17 saves, including a penalty kick save, as the Bulldogs fired over 25 shots on goal. “Cayden had a heck of a game despite the scoreline. He was busy all night long, and in the face of that adversity, he gave it his all,” Coach Norton praised, noting the need for the rest of the team to step up and provide better support to avoid putting their keeper in such challenging situations.
As the Trojans look ahead, Coach Norton remains optimistic about the team’s potential. With only four practices under their belt before the season opener, and three consecutive games leaving little time for adjustments, the coach is confident that with continued effort and focus, the team will address its weaknesses and come back stronger. “When we finally get back to practice, we will start working on improving our chances on the ball and our ability to keep our goal more secured,” Norton concluded.
The team secured a decisive 4-0 victory on the road against Moapa Valley on Wednesday, August 21. The match highlighted the team’s growing cohesion, particularly in defense and midfield, where players are beginning to settle comfortably into their roles. This improvement in team play is a promising sign for the future, as glimpses of a more unified and strategic approach are becoming increasingly evident.
TC Hone was the standout player of the match, scoring two goals and keeping Moapa’s defense under constant pressure. His performance was so dominant that, at one point, he commanded the attention of six opposing players, creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. “We couldn’t have drawn it up better,” Coach Norton said, reflecting on the effectiveness of the team’s strategy and execution during the game.
