The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ soccer team has already shown its heart, endurance, and determination just two games into the 2025 season. Under the guidance of Head Coach Andrew Norton, the Trojans opened on the road against Cristo Rey in Las Vegas on Thursday, August 14, pulling off an impressive 2-1 comeback victory, before returning home to face The Meadows Mustangs on Monday, August 18, where they fought hard in a physical, tightly contested 3-2 loss. Though the record sits at 1-1, the first week of play has already demonstrated that this year’s squad is mentally tougher, more disciplined, and ready to take on the challenges ahead.
The trip to Cristo Rey set the tone for the team’s style of play this season. Early in the match, a miscue led to the Royals taking a 1-0 lead on what Norton described as “just kind of a freak goal.” Instead of letting the setback deflate them, the Trojans leaned into their training and fitness. With a deep bench available, the coaching staff employed a strategy of frequent substitutions, keeping legs fresh and forcing the Royals to chase. “We noticed we had more subs than they did, so we used that to our advantage and literally just gassed them for everything,” Norton said. “It was almost like hockey, line change after line change, just fresh players out there at all times.”
That relentless pressure paid off in the closing minutes. Mid-Fielder Roberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez, known to his teammates as Berto, capitalized with two late goals, flipping the score and sealing the 2-1 win for Pahrump Valley. Norton praised the team for trusting the system and buying into the endurance-focused style of play. “It was super awesome that they trusted, like, yes, you might not be in for as long as you’d like, but keeping our endurance up as a group gave us the edge,” he said.
The home opener against The Meadows four days later proved to be a different kind of test. Playing in front of a supportive crowd, the Trojans struck first when TC Hone connected with Randall Pangilinan at the 32:45 mark of the first half. Pangilinan’s shot found the back of the net to give PVHS a 1-0 lead.
The Mustangs answered back quickly, but the Trojans regained control when Gonzalez-Gonzalez dribbled his way through defenders and delivered his third goal of the season with just over 17 minutes left in the half. Once again, the Trojans looked poised to finish strong.
But Meadows showed their resilience as well, tying the game before halftime and then taking the lead at the 24:43 mark of the second half. Despite pushing for an equalizer, PVHS could not quite find the back of the net again, falling just short in a 3-2 loss.
Coach Norton emphasized that while the result was disappointing, the performance was a strong indicator of the team’s growth. He noted that the game was played with an aggressive edge but was proud of how his players handled the pressure and physicality. “In the past, especially with young boys and their egos, emotions could get out of control,” Norton explained. “But tonight, I only saw one moment that wasn’t acceptable, and immediately, two or three of our other players stepped in and calmed the situation. Our boys know the saying: before they get on the field, the ego’s left behind. Out there, we just play.”
He also acknowledged the officiating challenges, recognizing that not every call went in the Trojans’ favor, but still praised the referee for controlling the match overall. “Two or three calls could have changed the game, but overall the center did a good job,” he said.
From a technical standpoint, Norton pointed out areas the team will work on in the weeks ahead. “Our first touches weren’t that great, and our pass and defeat needs improvement,” he said. “As the game wore on, especially with six players out due to injuries, we fell into more of a long ball game instead of maintaining possession. We had more chances when we were controlling the ball, fewer chances once we started just kicking and running.” He attributed some of that shift to fatigue in the heat, as the team had fewer substitutions than normal, but emphasized that mental toughness and conditioning will help them correct it moving forward.
Even with the challenges, the coach saw plenty of bright spots. He praised defenders Kohlzin and Ryan Nunez Manzo for their composure and leadership, noting that both players showed a high soccer IQ and worked to direct their teammates throughout the match. “Kohlzin saw weaknesses in the other team and pointed them out. Ryan stepped up during breaks and explained what we were supposed to be doing,” Norton said. “They both bring calmness and stability to the field, which is huge for us.”
Gonzalez-Gonzalez earned recognition as player of the game, not just for his goal but for the way he stretched the opposition and pushed the tempo until he left the game late with a minor injury. “He really stretched the opposition probably more than any of our other players tonight,” Norton said. “And as a sub, to be able to do that consistently is really valuable.”
With two competitive matches already behind them, the Trojans are learning important lessons about stamina, ball control, and composure under pressure. Norton is optimistic about what lies ahead, especially as injured players return and the team grows more comfortable in their positions. “I really liked that when we went down a goal, I didn’t see heads drop,” he said. “In the past, that would have happened. Mental toughness is growing, and that’s exciting to see.”
For the Trojans, the season is just beginning, but if the first two games are any indication, Pahrump Valley has the determination, leadership, and drive to make it an exciting year on the pitch.
