SAN JOSE - Senior Tanner Ruddy scored three goals to lead visiting Prospect to a 4-0 win over Branham Thursday night in a BVAL-Mount Hamilton Division boys soccer match.
With the victory, the Panthers (11-4-3, 8-2-2 BVAL-MH) remained first in the division, one point ahead of Overfelt, which edged Leigh 1-0 Thursday. The loss dealt a serious blow to the playoff hopes of the Bruins (7-9-1, 4-7-1), who will need to win their final two matches to gain CCS playoff eligibility.
Ruddy got Prospect off to a fast start with a goal in the second minute, taking a long pass from junior Gustavo Robledo and getting past two Branham defenders down the left side and sliding a left-footed shot into the lower right corner to make it 1-0.
After Branham senior Tyler Khan was denied by the woodwork on a header midway through the first half, the Panthers went up 2-0 in the 27th minute when a shot by sophomore Will Russo was deflected to him at the top of the box and he ripped a shot into the roof of the net.
Prospect took advantage of a defensive mistake in the 51st minute to make it 3-0 on a goal by freshman Sergio Cruz off a steal deep in Branham territory. Ruddy then drew and converted a penalty kick in the 54th minute to conclude the scoring.
Both teams are back in action Monday night when Prospect takes on Evergreen Valley (2-10-2, 2-8-2) and Branham visits Lincoln (10-5-3, 7-3-2).
