Clovis holds off Rams, 2-1

link Joshua Lucero: Staff photo

Portales junior Saul Fernandez races past a Clovis defender to take a shot on goal during the first half of Thursday’s game at Ram soccer field. ClovIs scored the game’s first two goals and held on for 2-1 win.

Once again, Clovis High and Portales High boys soccer teams played well into the match without scoring.

This time, though, the Wildcats got two goals six minutes apart from senior midfielder Juan Ramos early in the second half and held on for a 2-1 victory.

Earlier this season, the teams played to a double-overtime, scoreless tie in Clovis.

“The guys played better,” CHS coach Greg Trujillo said. “This time we won the battle in the midfield, and we were able to work the wings a little more and put the ball in the (18-yard) box.”

Ramos converted a pass from junior midfielder Luis Bustamonte to break the scoring ice about four minutes into the second half, then added a goal off a deflection in the box for a 2-0 lead.

“Juan Ramos was just there at the right time,” Trujillo said.

Senior Jose Barron cut the margin in half for the Rams (1-2-1) with about 16 minutes left.

“After they scored, they (Rams) got a little more confident and started going on the attack, but we held on.”

Rams coach Nathan Dodge said his team played reasonably well.

“It was a good soccer match,” he said. “Clovis is a good team.”

Both teams return to action Tuesday. The Rams travel to former district rival Lovington for a 5 p.m. match — preceded by a girls contest at 3 p.m. — while the Cats have a 6 p.m. tilt on tap at Roswell High.