Mingus soccer carried over its hot play from last semester as the boys’ soccer team defeated Saguaro High School 3-2 on Jan. 8.
After starting the season 0-2, the Marauders have won their last three games and sit at 3-2 this season.
“I gave the team two weeks without practice for finals and winter break so there were times we looked rough and times we looked solid,” Mingus coach Luis Hernandez said. “We only had four good practices because of snow but the team was able to stay sharp.”
Saguaro dropped to 4-5-1 with the loss.
“Every practice we had leading up to Saguaro was exactly how we were going to play them come gametime,”
Hernandez said. “I told the 11 players on the field how important it was that we execute and for our reserves to be ready at any given time.”
The Marauders emphasizedshutting down the middle against Saguaro in the first half to contain the Sabercats’ offense.
“Our midfielders had a very important task because we played very narrow during the first 20 minutes,” Hernandez said. “We had to get them off balance and off their game because Saguaro is a very good opponent.”
Leading 1-0 at halftime, the Marauders altered their gameplan in the second half and opened up the pitch against the Sabercats.
“We played a lot of 50-feet-wide soccer and were able to score two goals and preserve the win,” Henandez said. “We played very smart in the second half, as whoever had the ball knew their next three or four moves in advance.”
Hernandez said he believes that the entire team stood out against the Sabercats with their execution
and teamwork.
“Every player that was on or off the pitch had their contribution against Saguaro and that is how we got the win,” Hernandez said.
Mingus started out with an aggressive approach against Saguaro with three strikers on the field to combat the Sabercats.
“We have a strong team with a lot of soccer intelligence but we had to put the pieces together,” Hernandez said. “Having a new coach and new system was hard for some players but now things are starting to click and we look stronger.”
Hernandez also said he believes the Marauders’ senior leadership has been key for their midseason turnaround.
“Two of my captains are seniors along with three other seniors who have been tremendous on and off the field,” Hernandez said. “When the seniors are off the pitch, they help the underclassmen with rides or homework when needed and have shown what true leadership looks like.”
Hernandez said the seniors have also inspired him in his first year to improve himself on and off the field.
“I think I have progressed as a coach because the guys motivate me more every day since my first day as coach,” Hernandez said. “I have given it my all since my first day as the coach and now I feel like I am contributing more to help the team succeed.”
Though Mingus started off slow, Hernandez said he believes the Marauders are beginning to fine-tune and adjust their system based off circumstances.
“We have more ideas and a better grasp of how to attack in certain scenarios, such as when we are trailing 1-0,” Hernandez said. “When we are winning 3-1, we change our system and so far it has worked pretty well.”
On Friday, Jan. 11, the Marauders tied Mohave High School 3-3 after two overtimes were not enough to find a winner.
At 3-2-1, the Marauders are currently third in the 4A Grand Canyon region behind the Prescott Badgers and Flagstaff Eagles.
The Marauders return to the field on Wednesday, Jan. 16, when Mingus travels to Prescott High School to face the Badgers.
Prescott is currently 5-2 this season.
Mingus emerged victorious the last time these two teams faced off, with the Marauders defeating the Badgers 2-1 on Jan. 13 of last year.
The Marauders’ next home game is Friday, Jan. 18, when Mingus hosts Seton Catohlic High School.
