Falcons look for success in 4A‑I
Girls Soccer Preview
by Jason Stone

CAVE CREEK – They may have moved up a classification, but Cactus Shadows girls soccer coach Jeff Vittorio is hoping for similar success for the Falcons in 2007‑08.

Cactus Shadows’ final season at the 4A‑Division II level last year was successful as the Falcons reached the Final Four of the state tournament. The Falcons beat Queen Creek and Coconino in the first two rounds before being upset by Palo Verde on penalty kicks in the semifinals.

With a move up to the 4A‑I level, the beat keeps on. The Falcons opened the year Nov. 28 with a 3‑0 shutout of Moon Valley on the road. A 5‑2 home win over Agua Fria followed the next night.

The Falcons will have a chance to play the big schools this week when they play in the Horizon Tournament through Saturday. Cactus Shadows will then start Desert Sky Region play Dec. 10 with a game at Paradise Valley.

Pinnacle back for more at 5A‑II level

NORTH VALLEY – Pinnacle reached the Final Four of the 4A‑I tournament last year. What they do at the 5A‑II level is now the question.

Pinnacle had a great season a year ago, going 16‑3‑1 and holding the No. 2 seed in beating Agua Fria and Canyon del Oro in the state tournament before losing to Cienega 4‑1 in the semifinals.

The new season is a success so far–albeit one game. The Pioneers routed Central 8‑0 in the Nov. 28 season opener. Pinnacle will play in the Horizon Tournament this week through Saturday before playing five non‑region games before the holiday break.

Goldwater looking for first victories

NORTH VALLEY – Goldwater hopes to pick up its first win of the season at this week’s Moon Valley Tournament.

The Bulldogs, which missed out on the 5A‑II state tournament last year, have started out the season with a pair of losses – 9‑0 against Cibola Nov. 28 and 5‑1 at LaJoya Nov. 30.

After the Moon Valley Tournament, Goldwater will play only Northwest Region games the rest of the way. The Bulldogs have a trio of games – against Kingman, Boulder Creek and Deer Valley – leading up to the holiday break.

Boulder Creek needs wins, goals to start year

ANTHEM – Boulder Creek is not only looking for a win after two games, the Jaguars are searching for a goal. The Jaguars were blanked by (Marana) Mountain View (6‑0) and Westview (4‑0) in starting the season 0‑2.

The Jags were hoping their luck changed Dec. 4 in a game against Willow Canyon, in a game played past press time