The Arcata boys kept their unbeaten start to league play going with a big win at Eureka on Tuesday night, while Fortuna remained right on their heels with a shutout victory over Del Norte.
The league leaders played for the first time on the new Albee Stadium all-turf field and came away with a dominating 5-0 win, improving to 5-0-1 in the H-DNL.
The Huskies hosted the Warriors and won a fourth straight game by a score of 3-0 to go to 4-1 in league play.
Three of the Fortuna boys’ four straight wins have been shutouts.
Brandon Cruz had a big night anchoring the Fortuna back line, while Manuel Alvarez Diaz had a highlight goal on a well-placed volley, with teammate Fernando Munoz assisting on that goal.
No otters scoring details were available.
The Tigers, meanwhile, continue to set the standard, particularly on defense where they posted a third straight shutout.
“We executed our game plan well,” Arcata head coach John Davidson said. “Our game models have been evolving and developing nicely.”
Isai Aguilar and Dakota Grosveld each netted twice in the win, with the latter also assisting on a goal.
Sophomore Micah Okin rounded out the scoring and also had an assist, with Isaac Ingram also assisting on one of the goals.
And Davidson believes the team will only get better.
“I am so humbled and proud to be working with dedicated players who show up six days a week to play and train with effort, focus and intensity,” the Arcata coach said. “We haven’t found our top form yet but are enjoying the process of looking for it as a team.”
The loss was obviously a disappointing one for the Loggers in what has been an up-and-down season thus far.
The Eureka boys, who dropped to 3-2 in league, came out slow.
“Arcata didn’t do anything to surprise us,” Eureka head coach Tommy Learmouth said. “We just lacked energy and intensity tonight.”
There were some positive moments for the team, as the Loggers grew into the game.
“Found some bright spots, but not a lot, in the first half,” Learmouth added. “We’ve got to figure out how to get out of our own way. Second half was better, just couldn’t find a way to score and get momentum.”
The Loggers, to their credit, have responded to their last three losses with victories and Learmouth will be hoping to see that again this weekend when they host Ferndale.
“All around not a performance that is our standard and Arcata took advantage of that tonight,” Learmouth said. “Now, it’s how we respond and build back.”
Eureka is now 3-2 in league play.
