Capuchino strikes past Aragon

Cap set pace

The two teams began the game on an even keel, trading time between sides of the field. Capuchino, despite more shots on goal from Aragon during the first 20 minutes, slowly began to set the pace. A key drive by Nick Cukar in the 15th minute was deflected away, but sent a message to Aragon that they might have trouble containing the division leading Mustangs.

The strongest chance for Aragon to score came just before the end of the half. With a few seconds of play left, Jeff Barrera made a cross shot toward the goal. He was robbed of his moment of glory, however, by a spectacular diving stop from Herrera.

After a pep talk from head coach Radoslav Kovacevic during the break, the Mustangs came out during the second half and trampled all over the Dons. Aragon managed only two recorded shots on goal, while Capuchino got off nine.

Off the rebound

Cukar was the first to sink a successful shot for Capuchino. In the midst of a swarm of players, he placed a kick that rebounded off the top post and made its way back to him. He found luck the second time as he drove the ball into the net.

"I was trying to find the hole and connected," said Cukar.

Cukar said his most frustrating moment on the day was a failed goal opportunity he had later which involved a similar bounce off the post.

Cukar was not the only one who probably wished he could have a second chance on his second shot. A few minutes after the first goal, Brandon Spiers attempted a header into the net off a corner kick, only to see the ball fly over the net. A duplicate effort shortly thereafter netted the same missed result.

The next Mustang goal came courtesy of freshman Omar Castro. After receiving a pass from Cukar, Castro weaved his way between two players to get his scoring shot off. He was followed in short order by the final Capuchino score, courtesy of a Spiers to Cukar shot which bounced off the post and came up at the feet of Lee Mitchell.

"I took [the shot]," said Mitchell. "If I'd missed I would have been very unhappy."

'Patience'

"Patience did it today," said Kovacevic as he talked about his team's win. "The boys have been playing very well. They are very consistent and controlled the mid-field."

Aragon head coach Forest Brazil was not quite as happy with his team, saying over and over again they needed to communicate if they hope to win.

"We played far too individually," said Brazil. "We need to support each other ... this is a team game. It will hopefully come with time."