Tags
Related Posts
Share This
Rams have a tough loss in Vallejo
The Dixon Rams soccer team had a tough day in Vallejo as they lost 7-1. They did not expect such competitive resistance from Vallejo, and because the Rams underestimated them, Dixon’s team was taken down hard.
In the first half, the Rams were pretty much dominant for the first 35 minutes until an opposing player scored a goal at the 35 minute mark, taking the lead 1-0. Three minutes later, a questionable call was made concerning the Rams. However, the Rams did not receive a free kick although the foul was called in the goaly box. The Rams were not able to take advantage of a free kick opportunity, and they pretty much ended the first half with a 0-1 deficit.
The Rams played well as the second half was underway, and, at the 3 minute mark, Marco Soto scored a goal, with the free kick assist by Jesus Rodriguez, tying up the game at one apiece. Immediately, Vallejo came back 3 minutes later with a goal to take the lead once again 2-1. The Rams, then trying to maintain solid defense, failed to communicate with each other and allowed another goal at the 15 minute mark, widening the deficit with a score of 3-1. This goal, despite being early in the second half, really lowered the Rams confidence level. This loss of morale caused the game to get away from them as Vallejo then scored 4 other goals in the second half to finish off the Rams 7-1.
This was a tough loss for thee Rams, especially since they are the defending section champions.
Coach Jesus Mata was really dissappointed in the team’s concentration on defense. The lack of communication and concentration really hurt the Rams’ play as a unit as well as maintaining a solid defense. Coach Mata also thought that his team was too reliant on individual players; they were not working as a team. This aspect cost the team a lot of “cheap” goals, and it really contributed to the rapid falter.
Another big frustration for Coach was the complete lack of confidence and composure. “That is the first time in all my years [that I've] seen a Dixon soccer team lose their confidence, and their composure.” Coach Mata said. He had much higher expectations for this game becauase of what he thought this team was all about, but instead the team faltered; they failed at aspects that should be their strengths.
Besides the lack of these components, the team was quite frustrated about the atmosphere. The field in Vallejo was much smaller than the Rams’ home field. This frustrated the team because it caused spacing issues. Also to add on, it was a turf field so the combination of the turf and the size of the field really flustered the Rams–perhaps contributing to their loss of confidence. 
This team is quite young. Only 4 out of the 11 starters are seniors. Perhaps this team is being forced to learn on the go. The Varsity level is much faster, and this young team does not have as much experience as they need to have that early success.
The good news is that this is a very talented team–perhaps even more talented then last year’s section championship team. They are a young team, and now they will have to learn to work togethor, and, once they do, this young but talented team will achieve success.
The Rams J.V. team also played at tuesday’s game in Vallejo winning 4-2. This was their first regular season win of the year, making them 1-0.
The Rams’ next game will be at home on September 2, at 7:00 p.m.