ALA Boys Soccer 3rd in State

Pictured (top-bottom): Joseph St. Peter #2; Goalie Adam Davis; Jordan Lamb #4 and Cobi Warren # 13; McKennen Lamb #3.  Photos by MaryAnne Davis.

Written by Allen Davis

SPANISH FORK, UTAH -- With a 6-1 record, the American Leadership Academy boys soccer team sits at third place in the 2A rankings, holding that position for two consecutive weeks. The Eagles, coached by Steve Solen, are enjoying their best start ever. After winning a couple of close, come-from-behind, region games, the Eagles coasted to an easy victory against 3A opponent North Sanpete.

On March 27, the Eagles took on the Liahona Warriors. The Warriors came into the game against the 3rd ranked Eagles with a 3-2-2 record. The Warriors scored late in the first half, but the Eagles quickly matched it. The halftime score was 1-1. The Eagles took control in the second half, but had trouble finding the goal. Late in the second half, the Warriors scored their second goal to take the lead. With just minutes to go, ALA found the goal, three times. They finished strong with a 4-2 win over Liahona.

On March 29, the Eagles took on win-less Parowan. The Eagles were without their goal keeper, Adam Davis. The Rams came to Eagle stadium, hungry for a win. They scored early against the Eagles, and then played very strong defense the rest of the first half. The Eagles threatened with several shots on goal, but couldn’t get one in the first half. In the second half, the Eagles continued having troubles finding the goal.

They hit the bars several times, but couldn’t seem to get inside the goal. Late in the half, after controlling the ball throughout the game, the Eagles gave up a breakaway goal, giving the Rams a 2-0 lead. With just minutes to go, the Eagles found the goal, twice, forcing the game into overtime. Less than two minutes into the overtime, the Eagles scored again, winning the game 3-2 and maintaining their first place position in the Region.

On April 5, the Eagles took on 3A North Sanpete. In the first 15 minutes, the Eagles had already scored 3 times. They coasted to an easy 5-0 finish, giving them their 3rd shutout of the year.

The Eagles enjoy a game and a half lead over Beaver and Millard in their region. Except for their loss to Payson, the Eagles are undefeated. They are ranked third in state for the last two weeks. Brannon Tulley continues to lead the team in scoring. He had another hat trick against North Sanpete. Only 4 players in the state have scored more goals than Brannon. He is the 2nd leading scorer in 2A. Cobi Warren is the 5th leading scorer in 2A, and Mahonry Chichia is 12th. Goalie Adam Davis is ranked 2nd in 2A with 3 shutouts.

The Eagles enjoy a week off, but are back in action with region play against Beaver on April 17.

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