Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Gaels, Wildcats win regional soccer titles

Gorman soccer1

Jummel Hidrosollo / Special to the Home News

Bishop Gorman midfielder Sean Zaher keeps the ball away from Clark midfielder Miguel Gonzalez during the Sunset Regional boys soccer championship at Bettye Wilson Soccer Fields on Saturday.

Updated Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 | 1:12 p.m.

Click to enlarge photo

Head Coach Nick Arbelaez receives the championship plaque for beating Clark High School during the Sunset Regional boys soccer championship at Bettye Wilson Soccer Fields on Nov. 9, 2008.

Click to enlarge photo

Clark midfielder Jerson Pinto attempts to keep the ball away from Bishop Gorman midfielder Nic Eary during the Sunset Regional boys soccer championship at Bettye Wilson Soccer Fields on Saturday.

The Bishop Gorman boys' soccer team extended its streak of unanswered goals to five on Saturday as the Gaels posted a 2-0 shutout win against Clark, earning a fourth straight win and the Sunset Regional championship.

Only two days after rallying with three straight goals to beat Centennial 3-2, the Gaels played a defense-focused game against the Chargers and managed to shut down any momentum their opponent could muster.

"These kids play with so much heart, and you can't teach that," Gaels coach Nick Arbelaez said. "We have talent but it's the heart and emotion these kids show that has really made us tough to beat."

Arbelaez praised Bishop Gorman's defense for keeping Clark's star forward Salvador Bernal from evening out the score. Junior goalkeeper Jake O'Rourke scooped up several solid shots on goal in the second half to protect the lead.

"The most important thing today -- and it's something other teams haven't been able to do -- is we didn't let Salvador beat us," Arbelaez said. "Our defense was strong and Jake played very well. He did what he had to do to win. This was not an easy game."

The Gaels struck for their first goal roughly 24 minutes into the first half when Gorman forward Austin Cain was fouled and awarded a penalty kick.

Senior Cody Barnett took the shot and found the bottom left corner of the net to put the Gales up, 1-0.

"I wasn't even thinking when I took that shot. I just tried to block everything out and score," Barnett said. "It feels great to be a big part of another regional title win -- I've been here for all four. This one is that much sweeter because it's my senior year."

Early in the second half, Cain added an insurance goal on a breakaway five minutes in. Arbelaez said he's grown used to Cain's postseason heroics.

"The kid is ice," Arbelaez said. "Austin thrives off this stuff. He always steps it up for the big stage. He doesn't show as much flash during the regular season but in these high pressure situations, he really steps it up. I can't say enough about him."

Cain, like many of the Gaels, is playing through an injury, but said the pain faded away as he approached the goal.

"I was determined to get that ball in," Cain said. "I wanted to step up to the plate and put this game away for my team and for my coaches. I think we're all fired up and we have all the momentum in the world behind us. If we can keep this going, we can bring back another state championship."

The Gaels now advance to the Nevada State Championship tournament Friday at Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex.

The Wildcats pulled out a win Saturday in the Sunrise Regional championship after beating Eldorado, 3-2.

"We've had the momentum all season," Las Vegas coach Vince Hart said. "Most of these kids have been with the program for four years, so hopefully, the is the beginning of us becoming an elite team. Having a phenomenal player like (junior forward) Juaquin Rivas helps as well."

Both Gorman and Las Vegas will have to wait until Wednesday to find out their opponents as a play-in game between Clark and Eldorado at 4 p.m. will determine the structure for the playoffs.

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or [email protected].

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy