SUN Staff Report
9/17/09
The Española Valley Sundevils boys soccer team impress coach Lfeatu Oboli even when they lose. After dropping a tough 2-1 decision at Moriarty Sept. 10 on a controversial penalty kick, Oboli still praised his team.
“It was a very close game,” Oboli said. “They gave it all they could.”
Oboli was also impressed by his team after it lost 9-2 to Desert Academy in a game the Sundevils trailed 6-0 at halftime.
“I have played soccer and I know that when you fall far behind, you can stop playing,” he said. “The way they finished up the game, I could see the determination in them.”
Moriarty proved to be a tough opponent despite coming into the game with a 0-6 record. The Pintos have losses to Rio Rancho and Manzano, both Class AAAAA schools. The Pintos led 1-0 when the Sundevils tied the game 1-1 in the second half on a goal by sophomore Christian Ortega.
“He lobbed it over the head of the goalie,” Oboli said. “It was a beautiful goal.”
The Sundevils had a goal taken away in the game because of an offsides call and the winning goal came on a penalty kick awarded after a hand ball was called against the Sundevils in their penalty box,
“They were judgement calls,” Oboli said. “I argued with the officials, but there was nothing I could do.”
Ortega has already scored seven goals this season.
“He’s very talented,” Oboli said. “I am giving him free rein to create plays on the field.”
Española fell to 3-3 on the season, but Oboli said winning is not all that matters.
“You can see yourself improving day by day and see the progress you’re making,” he said.