Mason Dixon Soccer League

News Detail

11

Aug, 2016

Portugal wins opener

Team Portugal played effective defense and tallied an offensive goal in each half Saturday morning, winning 2-0 over France in the fall season opener at Commerce Street Park.

The goals came from Katyanna Tech, who played last fall for Portugal's originating squad, Barcelona, and Christian Larranaga, one of several new arrivals who've energized the team.

But coaches also gave major kudos to the team defense, which pitched a surprising shutout against a talented France lineup. France sniper Cruz Ha had a few shots on goal that nearly connected, but the Portugal back row proved cohesive in spite of this being its first match ever as a unit.

"I'm proud of these young ladies and gentlemen," said Dave Kavanaugh, who recorded a win in his head coaching debut. "Everyone on our team contributed to this win. We are preaching togetherness and teamwork and unselfishness, and a lot of that was evident out there today."

Bobby Jackson played in his first soccer match ever, not counting an intrasquad scrimmage at practice this past week. "Bobby did fine for his first real live soccer," said the coach. "He had a big smile afterward. What I've seen from Bobby is what I want to see from all of us, players and coaches alike -- a little improvement every time."

As an interesting aside, Saturday's opener had a "Civil War" theme of sorts. Cody Craig has a couple friends who play for France, as does Tatiana Kavanaugh's first cousin Kassidy Lujan. Kavanaugh and Lujan both wear No. 2 jerseys.

"On the ride to the Reservoir (my nickname for the complex), it's become a little tradition to play a song to get us fired up," the coach said. "This morning, that song was 'Civil War,' by Guns N' Roses. The match itself was mostly hard-fought but friendly all the way through, though. The kids from both sides were chatting it up before and after -- but between first whistle and last, they were all business."

The schedule doesn't get easier. Next Saturday, a strong Colombia will surely test the mettle of the young Portugal bunch.

"We've got to have some focused practice sessions this week," Kavanaugh said. "Colombia has some good kids and veteran coaching, so we'll have our work cut out for sure. But we look forward to it all. Our kids are having fun, and it shows."

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Mason Dixon Soccer League
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Mason Dixon Soccer League

News Detail

11

Aug, 2016

Portugal wins opener