WARREN, Ark. – Continuing from where they left off before spring break, the Warren Lumberjack Soccer Club triumphed over Star City in their home game under the lights of Jim Hurley, Jr. Stadium in Warren on Tuesday evening, March 28, with a final score of 3-0.
The Jacks looked dangerous from the outset, especially in the final third. The first chance came for the orange and black just two minutes in, as sophomore Alann Juarez struck a shot wide left of the goal. Juarez continued in his role in the midfield for most of the game, and his presence had a massive impact. His ability to maintain possession and provide reliable distribution to the forward line proved to be very effective for this Warren side.
Top photo: Aaron Romero beats a Star City defender just before shooting past the keeper for Warren’s third goal of the match. Photo by Saline River Chronicle.
By Rob Reep
Saline River Chronicle
This Lumberjack match report is brought to you by:
Warren’s first corner came in the 10th minute, with Jose Garcia whipping the ball into the box, but nothing came of the chance.
The initial breakthrough occurred in the 14th minute, with Lumberjack winger Tarion Marshall applying pressure near the edge of the six-yard box. Star City’s right-center back attempted to just get it behind for a corner with his right boot, but instead, the ball ricocheted past the Bulldog keeper for an own goal. Warren took the lead, 1-0.
Star City nearly conceded a second goal just a minute and a half later, as they were determined to play from the back. The keeper played a pass out to his left back, who immediately came under pressure from Marshall. The clearance was cut out by Juarez, but his ensuing shot was skied.
Warren’s advantage was doubled in the 24th minute after the Jacks won another corner. Garcia launched the ball into the box, and a Bulldog defender headed it back towards the keeper, who tried to clear. However, his clearance hit the same Star City defender at close range, and the ball shot in the goal-bound direction again, passing the keeper and rolling into the net to give the Jacks a 2-0 lead.
Star City managed a shot in the 27th minute, but Warren’s keeper, Jessi Cortes, pushed it wide left. Cortes had an outstanding performance on the night.
At halftime, Warren led 2-0.
If Star City was hoping for a reprieve in the second half, they were disappointed, as the Jacks put their foot on the pedal and hammered home the victory.
Garcia came close with an effort in the 41st minute as his shot crossed the face of the goal, but no other Lumberjack could get on the end of it.
Eight minutes later, Garcia lofted a beautiful corner towards the back post, and Warren’s right-central defender, Daniel Sosa, almost headed it home, but the ball sailed just high.
Sosa’s defensive play was nearly flawless, and the senior commanded Warren’s back four throughout the entirety of the night. Star City was never presented with an opportunity.
The Jacks delivered the final blow in the 57th minute. Junior Aaron Romero outmuscled a Star City central defender and knocked the ball in off the far post, securing a 3-0 win for Warren.
Warren’s back four, along with keeper Jessi Cortes, kept a clean sheet. Senior center back Daniel Sosa was named the Que Lindo Michoacan Man of the Match for his outstanding game.
The Jacks now hold a record of 3-2-1 on the year and sit at 2-0 in the 4A East Conference. They will next hit the road to Crossett in a game that has been moved to Thursday, March 30. The Jacks will kick off immediately following the Lady Jack game, which begins at 5:00 pm.
