The same problems for the Mingus Union High School [0-5-1] boys soccer team managed to traverse the winter break, directly factoring in its 1-0 defeat to visiting Mohave High School on Jan. 5.
A lack of execution in the passing game proved costly as the Marauders struggled to create many clear opportunities at goal, and of those that were, the ball was sent to the heavens or straight at Thunderbird senior goalkeeper Abraham Garcia.
“They see [the correct passes], [it’s] total execution, it’s just missing the mark, it truly is,” Mingus head coach Calvin Behlow said. “That’s the biggest thing, it’s execution. We know what were supposed to do but we’re not doing it.”
Mingus’ dilemma works much like a logical thought: It struggles to possess the ball, therefore it is forced to defend more than attack, therefore it gives up goals.
On this occasion, the visiting Thunderbirds were forced to shoot from distance.
“It’s easy, one of the best shots I like to save are the ones from outside,” junior goalkeeper Andrew Kulis said.
All of the 18 total shots sailed wide or were controlled by Kulis, except for the one that went in, which came from within the penalty area with only eight minutes remaining.
“It’s frustrating when we work that hard and give up a goal like that, that’s a front post shot,” Behlow said. “We’ve got to keep people off the board. You can’t keep giving up goals and expect to win, bar none.”
The team has given up nine goals and scored only three during its current four-game skid.
However, of the five total losses, Behlow pointed out that four of the teams have a combined record of 20-2, and three are ranked in the top eight in Division 4A. He does not fault his team’s work rate or effort in any of the defeats.
“My kids are playing hard,” Behlow said. “We played hard again tonight. The problem is we’re just not executing, we’re making the right pass, it’s just not getting there.”
The best of the evening went to junior midfielder Eric Samano with 19 minutes left in the second half.
A cross from near the endline on the right by junior forward Ezekiel Behlow arrived to him waist-high and eight yards out. He missed his leaping volley attempt, and Garcia controlled.
They totaled 10 shots on the evening. All told, the Marauders feel they let one slip away.
“I feel like we did well,” sophomore midfielder Jovany Garcia said. “They’re the eighth top team in state and were 37th, so we’re doing pretty good, but we should’ve won that game for sure.”
Mingus looked to pick itself up again on Jan. 10 when it traveled to Prescott High School, but results were unavailable at press time. It next plays at 6 p.m. Jan. 12 at Thunderbird High School.
