Soccer teams want state
Cactus Shadows, Pinnacle aim for big heights with move up
Boys Soccer Preview
by Jason Stone

CAVE CREEK – Just one year removed from a co‑state championship, Cactus Shadows boys soccer team is hoping to get back on top in the 2007–08 season.

The Falcons have 10 returning starters back from last year’s team, which fell short of repeating for the title. Cactus Shadows coach Mat Evans, who is now in his third season, has a trio of juniors to rely on this year.

Evans called midfielder Matt Moorer a “very solid player” and said Alberto Lopez is a “great striker.” The Falcons also have an outstanding goaltender in Nate Barker, who has not allowed a goal in the Falcons’ first two games.

Cactus Shadows started the season with back‑to‑back shutouts – 4‑0 at Moon Valley Nov. 28 and a 2‑0 home whitewash of Agua Fria the next night.

The Falcons won’t be playing any regular season tournaments for the second straight year, which means the team is off until Dec. 10 when it hosts Paradise Valley in its first Desert Sky Region game. Cactus Shadows is now playing at the 4A‑Division I level after moving up from Division II.

Cactus Shadows’ final non‑region game will be at home against Flagstaff Dec. 11, the team’s final game before the holiday break. The Falcons will not play a game for nearly a month before returning to action Jan. 8.

Pinnacle hopes to go further at 5A

NORTH VALLEY – A new conference will bring improved fortune at the 5A‑Division II state tournament. That’s the hope at Pinnacle, whose boys soccer team makes the move up a classification.

The Pioneers went 14‑5‑1 last season, but felt unfulfilled after losing in the opening round of the playoffs 2‑0 to Agua Fria in overtime.

If the first two games are indication, Pinnacle is well on its way to a big season. The Pioneers have shut out their first two opponents by a combined score of 11‑0. Pinnacle opened the season Nov. 27 with a 6‑0 home win over Central, then followed it up two days later with a 5‑0 victory over Desert Vista.

Pinnacle is playing in this week’s Moon Valley Tournament through Saturday.

Goldwater splits first two games of year

NORTH VALLEY – Goldwater opened the season with a split of its first two games. The Bulldogs lost the opener 4‑2 Nov. 27 on a long trip to Yuma Cibola, but rebounded for a 2‑1 home victory over LaJoya two days later.

The Bulldogs now move to Northwest Region play, starting with road games at Kingman and Valley Vista this week. The Bulldogs will play four region games leading up to the holiday break.

Boulder Creek looking for first win of season

ANTHEM – Boulder Creek is searching for a victory after losing the first three of the year. The Jaguars lost to (Marana) Mountain View 6‑0, Page 1‑0 and Westview 6‑2. The team is scheduled to play in this week’s Ridge Cup, hosted by Mountain Ridge.