Rams nip SF Prep; Lady Rams fall

CMI staff

The Portales Rams are off to a good start in District 2/1A-3A boys soccer.

link CMI photo: Tony Bullocks

Portales freshman Adan Garay, left, and Santa Fe Prep junior Keenan Amer battle for control of the ball at midfield during Saturday’s District 2-1A/3A boys soccer match at the PHS field. The Rams posted a 2-1 victory.

link CMI photo: Tony Bullocks

Portales junior Hannah Evans makes a move around Santa Fe Prep junior Emily Hayes-Rich during Saturday’s District 2-1A/3A girls soccer match at the PHS soccer field. Prep scored on a penalty kick in the second overtime to claim a 2-1 victory.

link CMI photo: Tony Bullocks

Portales junior Chelsea Lopez work her way around Santa Fe Prep defenders during the second half of Saturday’s District 2/1A-3A girls soccer matchup at PHS.

Junior Jose Barron converted a pair of goals, assisted both times by senior Brandon Gomez, and the Rams edged Santa Fe Prep 2-1 on Saturday at the PHS soccer field.

Both teams came in looking to stay unbeaten in the district. Barron’s second goal, in the 57th minute, proved to be the game-winner for the Rams (4-2, 2-0 district).

“This was a big win,” first-year PHS coach Nathan Dodge said. “Santa Fe Prep only had one loss this year (before Saturday).”

Santa Fe Prep (6-2, 2-1) took the first half of the district twin bill, winning 2-1 in the girls matchup on an overtime goal by senior Brigid Quinn, her second of the day. It came on a penalty kick from inside the box.

The Rams took the lead midway through the first half when Gomez found Barron for a shot just inside the box. The Blue Griffins tied it before halftime on a tally by freshman Patrick Boyd.

The go-ahead score came off a crossing pass from Gomez.

Dodge said his team is making strides as it heads into a busy week with four matches on tap.

“It doesn’t matter who’s playing,” he said. “We’re starting to come together and play as a team.”

Junior goalkeeper Lane Nichols had 10 saves for the Rams, including one on a penalty kick inside the box with about three minutes left. “He played a heck of a game for us,” Dodge said.

Junior Hannah Evans gave the Lady Rams the lead in the 35th minute of the girls matchup, scoring from about 35 yards out. But that was it for PHS (3-5, 1-1).

“It was just a heartbreaking loss,” said Lady Rams coach Sara Vasquez, who is expecting to deliver a baby within the next couple of weeks. “The girls put everything they had into it.

“It’s hard to lose on a PK in overtime.”

Quinn tied the score for the Blue Griffins (4-4, 2-0) shortly before halftime, scoring from about 15 yards out.

PHS squads have a makeup district doubleheader on Monday at St. Michael’s, starting with the girls tilt at 2 p.m