Tigers' Roa scores only goal to upset league-leading Redwood 1-0 in soccer action; ladies lose again

Samantha Bustamante and her teammates failed to find the back of the net in Thursday's 2-0 loss to Redwood.

Bill Burris, Lemooresports.com

The Tigers got just one goal from Josh Roa and played sterling defense to hold the Rangers scoreless, but the goal was a dandy. Roa, the league's leading scorer with 22 goals, took in a loose ball on the right side of the goal and powered it into the net, deflected by the Redwood goalkeeper.

Lemoore's goalie Jesus Lopez made several important saves but none more critical than blocking a penalty kick with a little over four minutes left in the game.The win over the ninth-ranked Rangers and qualified the Tigers for the Central Section playoffs.

Injuries may have played a significant role in the girls’ inability to beat the Rangers Thursday night in Tiger Stadium. Chloe Chedester has been sidelined due to injuries for much of the season, while standout Kalijah Sanders hasn’t been available for the last few games with injuries.

With their team not at full strength, Redwood defeated the Tigers 2-0 Thursday to remain atop the league standings. The Tigers fell to 2-4-2 in the WYL and are 10-7-3 overall. Redwood continues its league domination with an 8-0-1 record.

Lemoore’s next match comes Wednesday, Jan. 31 at Mt. Whitney. The boys, in the hunt at 5-3 in the WYL, will host Mt. Whitney in a 6 p.m. game in Tiger Stadium on Wednesday.