Trojans take on Brewster, hold Bears to one

BREWSTER - The Manson Trojans boys’ soccer team played in a tight and intense contest at Brewster on Thursday night, March 22 but fell narrowly by a score of 2-1.  The game began with with a nervous Manson team who were playing the defending league champs and the perennial powers of the CTL.  Brewster dominated possession early and Manson rarely got the ball out of their own half.  However, after a strong forward run by defender Marco Mendoza, Heriberto Sarmiento received the ball at the top of the box and unleashed a swerving rocket into the top right corner for the game's first goal.  Manson began playing with more confidence after the goal but were still struggling to get good spells of possession and Brewster pressed for the equalizer. 
With 12 minutes left in the first half Brewster finally made a breakthrough with an incredible 40-yard strike that sailed over a helpless Arturo Valdovinos.  Manson nearly took the lead on the following kickoff when Gustavo Villasenor was played through and shot just over the bar.  As the half was winding down, however, a mental lapse by the Manson defense allowed the Bears to get a ball over the top which they scored on Valdovinos.  A tough way to end a heroic first half.  The second half showed incredible improvement by the Trojans.  The midfield began passing the ball better and the forwards became more energetic and intelligent about their runs.  Manson created a number of chances and limited Brewster to almost none.  With 10 minutes to go Eduardo Escelera, a senior captain defender, was thrown up front in an effort to get the equalizer.  Manson pressed on, creating chance after chance but by the time the final whistle blew it was not enough. 
The first league game ended in a loss but if there is one thing that can be learned from the start of the season it’s that there is parody in this league and it could be anybody's championship.