LITTLE ROCK – With a state playoff spot clinched, the Warren Lumberjack Soccer Club traveled to Little Rock Tuesday evening, fall 4A East opponent Pulaski Academy in a close battle by the final of 2-0.
In a game that was close from start to finish, neither team found a sense of rhythm in the first twenty minutes. Warren looked to go over the top of the PA defense to their striker Alann Juarez, but the PA back four did an effective job of shutting the Jacks down in the final third.
PA’s front line struggled to break Warren’s defense down as well, but the Bruins had the bulk of the possession, a trend which carried throughout most of the match.
Warren keeper Jessie Cortes made a stunning save in the twentieth minute, rising high to deny a dangerous shot from PA and keep things level at 0-0.
PA would have another chance in the fortieth minute, but the fast paced shot skimmed the ground just wide left of goal. The teams went into the midway break tied at 0-0.
Eight minutes into the second half PA received a throw-in deep in Jack territory. The ball was not cleared an a Bruin shot eventually arced over Cortes to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
Warren struggled to retains possession or record many shots-on-goal.
PA added a second in the sixty-eighth minute. They saw the game out, winning by the final of 2-0.
After the Lumberjack win over Star City Friday night by the final of 3-1, and Tuesday’s loss to PA, the Jacks have secured the fourth seed from the 4A East in the upcoming state playoffs set for May 12 through May 14. Salineriverchronicle.com will have complete coverage of Warren’s tournament run.
Top photo: Warren winger Jose Garcia awaits a PA throw-in Tuesday evening.
More photos from Tuesday’s game at Pulaski Academy below:
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