BRENTWOOD, Calif. — In its first game of the season, Clayton Valley was still searching for its groove. And it’s safe to say the Ugly Eagles were soaring in the second half.
Leading 1-0 into halftime, CVC went off in the second half, scoring three goals to defeat Liberty 4-0 in both team’s season opener.
“We started to settle down in the second half. We started connection with five yard passes.” said CVC coach Guillermo Jara. “We continued to swing the ball and get a rhythm. It’s our first game together and we starting to gain more comfort and open up the game a little bit and being more patient in the final third.”
Andres Rubio showcased his ability to score. He recorded a brace for the Ugly Eagles Wednesday night. Both of them came on breakaways.
The first goal came in the closing minutes of the first half. Goalkeeper Fernando Escobedo stunned the Liberty defense by booming a goal kick nearly 70 yards, catching them sleeping. Rubio took off, cut with the ball, broke loose and finished to give the Ugly Eagles momentum heading into halftime.
“My first touch wasn’t as exactly as I wanted it to be, it kind of when a little ahead of me. It brought the keeper out so I put it on the left side.” said Rubio.
“In the beginning I don’t like to kick the ball long, I like to play short,” said Escobedo. “When I see that their defense is not that tall or can’t head the ball that well, then that’s when I use my leg. It’s my specialty there.”
Escobedo recorded a clean sheet and four saves in the second half.
“Their (Liberty) players knew how to create chances to get to the top, but couldn’t finish it when I got there,” Escobedo said.
Paris Ruiz scored with 15 minutes left in the game before Rubio executed his second breakaway goal with 4:44 left.
In the last two minutes of the game, CVC shut the door when they were awarded a free kick. A routine ball was dropped by Liberty goalkeeper Gonzalo Ordaz, which allowed Charles Easterly to score on the rebound to put the nail in the coffin, giving them the 4-0 season opening victory.
Last season, Liberty head coach Chris Strabley recorded his first win under the helm of Liberty against Clayton Valley. It did not go in his favor on Wednesday night.
Liberty’s offense mixed around the field, with Felipe Magaña and Augustine Chulu rolling around the midfield, but really couldn’t find the net.
“I think the played had a lot of adrenaline and in some cases were afraid to pull the trigger. There could have been more opportunities out of the box to try and test their goalkeeper.” said Strabley
Both these teams will take in Dublin next. Clayton Valley will travel to face them on Friday, Nov. 30 while Liberty will host them on Dec. 4.
