Rogers High blanks Bentonville

ROGERS -- Senior forward Jessie Ramirez scored two goals, but the Rogers defense kept Bentonville from even getting many quality scoring chances in the Mounties' 3-0 win Friday evening in 7A-West boys soccer at Whitey Smith Stadium. Ramirez got a nice first touch on a ball, then blasted a shot past the Tigers keeper with 16 minutes, 47 seconds left in the first half to give Rogers all it would need. Teammate Johan Rodriguez added another goal two minutes later, then Ramirez got another midway through the second half on a nice feed from Horacio Olivera. Rogers (11-4, 9-2 7A-West) kept a hold on second place in the 7A-West with three matches left, but Mounties coach Steve Peck said his team played a strong team game in the win. Bentonville fell to 8-5-1 overall and 7-5 in the 7A-West. "We played very good team soccer and we kept possession of the ball," Peck said. "When it did come down to our end, we defended well and got the ball and worked it out instead of just kicking it . We played very good possession soccer. It was a good night. "Right now, I think we're peaking at the right time. After we play this next Tuesday there's literally a week left and then there's playoffs. I think we're doing it at the right time." Peck also pointed to the play of his midfielders as a big key to his team's success. Olivera had perfect touch on a pass to Ramirez, but that's not unique, Peck said. "That's what Horacio does, he passes well," Peck said. "He moves the ball around. He's very good with the ball at his feet. They distribute. Alex Balderas is the best distributor I have. He's just so smart, a step ahead of everybody. You throw on top of that Horacio who can keep the ball at his feet, passes well and moves well. The center mids are definitely our strength." The Mounties host Bentonville West and play at Springdale High next week, before playing at Fayetteville in a make-up match on Monday, May 8.

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PAUL BOYD

Arkansas Online | 4/29/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Goff