The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ varsity soccer team combined an active attack with a composed defensive performance to earn a 3-0 victory over Virgin Valley at home Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Virgin Valley tested the Trojans early with a low, rolling shot, but goalkeeper Jessie Barajas-Roman went to the ground to make the stop. Pahrump soon answered at the opposite end as Roberto Gonzalez-Gonzalez found an opening on the left side and rolled the ball into the net, giving the Trojans a 1-0 lead.
Pahrump’s defense helped preserve the early advantage. Blake Edie-Dixon headed away a Virgin Valley shot, while Rene Gonzalez Valdez delivered a well-placed pass down the sideline to Tc Hone as the Trojans worked to build another attack.
Barajas-Roman remained steady in goal, collecting several balls sent into the penalty area. Miguel Frias-Esparza stopped a Virgin Valley player from reaching a through ball, then teamed with Samuel Mendoza to clear another threat moments later.
The Trojans continued searching for a second goal. Rafael Sanchez Veliz sent a ball toward the center that was collected by the keeper, and another pass nearly connected with Randall Pangilinan before the goalkeeper reached it. Gonzalez Valdez also made an important defensive stop near the goal to keep Virgin Valley off the scoreboard.
Pahrump produced several more promising opportunities late in the half. Eli helped move the ball upfield before sending a shot toward the goal, then later attempted to center the ball from the wing. Hone followed with a strong run before finding Eli for another shot that the Bulldogs knocked away.
A corner kick gave the Trojans another chance, with Hone getting his head to the ball and Eli attempting to finish the play near the net.
Pahrump doubled its advantage with approximately three minutes remaining in the half. Hone timed his approach as the Virgin Valley keeper came off his line and sent a shot into the net from the right side, giving the Trojans a 2-0 lead.
Sanchez Veliz added one final shot shortly before the halftime whistle, sending Pahrump into the break with control of the match.
The Trojans immediately returned to the attack in the second half. Ryan Nunez Manzo took a shot from the right side that narrowly missed the left post, and Gonzalez-Gonzalez followed with a deep free kick that the Virgin Valley keeper deflected over the crossbar.
On the ensuing corner kick, Hone nearly headed the ball into the net as he carried his momentum across the goal line.
Virgin Valley attempted to respond, but Pahrump’s defense continued turning away advances. Barajas-Roman stopped a shot following a throw-in and repeatedly came off his line to collect bouncing balls before the Bulldogs could reach them.
The Trojans added their third goal with approximately seven minutes remaining, converting another shot to extend the lead to 3-0.
Pahrump continued pressing through the closing minutes. Eli made a run toward the goal and leaped over the keeper as the goalkeeper made a save, then received another ball on the right side and sent a final attempt just wide of the post.
The Trojans’ balanced effort produced goals in both halves, while Barajas-Roman and the Pahrump defense completed the shutout to secure the home victory.
