West Valley upsets defending state champion Mt. San Antonio for big early season win
CCCAA Scoreboard l Standings
SARATOGA, Calif. - A beautiful Bay Area blue sky above one of California’s top pitches provided the perfect setting for a battle of north vs. south Saturday. The West Valley Vikings hosted defending CCCAA state titlist Mt. San Antonio College in one of those non-league matchups that may have provided a glimpse into the playoff future.
Pedro Werneck Silva's set-piece header in the 47th minute lifted the Vikings to a thrilling and physical 2-1 win over the previously-unbeaten Mounties in Saratoga. After Silva's goal, the Vikings (2-2) weathered a furious Mt. SAC assault, denying multiple set-piece opportunities with timely tackles and great saves from keeper Yannick Lamers.
The Mounties (4-1) grabbed a 1-0 lead on Sam Ponting’s unassisted 36th minute blast. Rudy Castro, on a helper from Miguel Paz, evened it up for the Vikings seven minutes later. Silva put WVC up for good just after halftime, heading in a perfect corner kick cross from Alexis Rincon.
The Vikings head to Evergreen Valley Thursday (9/14) for a 7pm tilt against the Hawks (1-2-2), while the Mounties visit Cuyamaca (0-3-2) Tuesday (9/12).
(Courtesy Matt Folson, West Valley Athletics)