Trojans split away games against Brewster, Bridgeport

BREWSTER / BRIDGEPORT - The Manson Trojan soccer team showed some heart this past weekend. 

After getting shut out in a tough match against Brewster on Thursday, Manson came out two days later and blanked the Bridgeport Mustangs on their home pitch. 

• Brewster 

In one of the most anticipated matches of the year between both powerhouse soccer programs, the Trojans came up short despite a few early chances. 

Within the first two minutes, forward Aurelio Gutierrez played a nice ball in behind the Brewster defense, but his effort hit the crossbar. The Trojans continued to dominate until about midway through the first half when a Bears forward found himself unmarked in the open field and converted on a long shot, beating keeper Misa Montes. 

Both teams continued to fight for position the rest of the half, but Brester again broke through the Manson defense early in the second half to go up 2-0. 

Ultimately an injury to Jesus Espinoza in the first half cost Manson as they were left with limited substitutions the rest of the game.

“In the end, after another late goal by Brewster, the Trojans were left with nothing more than lessons to learn from their first league game of the season,” head coach Jared Mumley said in his game report. 

• Bridgeport

“The Trojans showed resilience and hard work in their 2-0 vicrtory over the Bridgeport Mustangs,” coach Mumley wrote in his game report. “With a limited bench, Manson competed well in a tight first half.” 

Although they struggled to create many chances, goalkeeper Serafin Chavez kept the Trojans in the game with series of diving saves. 

Manson upped the pressure in the second half and finally broke through as Freddy Leyva chased through a pass by Heri Sarmiento and drove the ball into the back of the net with aroung 20 minutes left in the game. 

The Trojans continued to press the Mustangs, which eventually paid off after Everardo Rodriguez converted the header on a corner kick from Leyva. 

With the win, the Trojans improve to 2-1 on the season and will take on Bridgeport again on Thursday, March 30. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. 

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213