It was a highly anticipated showdown and, when it was over, Riverbank came out on top in a battle of top Trans-Valley League teams. The Bruins got past Escalon, 1-0, in varsity soccer action on Wednesday, Oct. 8, kicking off the stretch run for the Bruins to what is a hoped-for postseason berth.
The Bruins used a first half goal from Nasr Alsamri to outlast the Escalon Cougars for the team's seventh Trans-Valley League victory, and more importantly, sole possession of the league's top spot.
Riverbank held the Cougars (6-2, TVL) out of the net behind a solid team-defensive effort. Escalon's threats were thwarted by the shutout efforts of Bruin goalie Hugo Calderon. The Bruin keeper posted eight saves in the win, assuring Riverbank of its spot atop the TVL standings.
Riverbank rolled into their match against Escalon on the heels of a 7-0 victory over Ripon Christian High. Riverbank has outscored the Knights 11-0 in the schools' two meetings so far this season.
Ricardo Vigil, who distributed the game-winning assist in the Bruins' win over Escalon, broke loose for three goals against the Knights. Alfredo Rodriguez and Alsamri both netted shots for the Bruins in the win as well.
Riverbank's Juan Harvey and Gustavo Amezcua also were able to find the back of the net in the win over Ripon Christian. Ivan Zamudio, Mario Hernandez, Hugo Yepez and Calderon all dished out an assist, while Alsamri distributed two. Calderon also manned the net in the Bruin victory, splitting time with Zamudio and combining for a half-dozen saves.
Riverbank will look to continue the TVL path with momentum as they make back-to-back league home stands with games against Hughson and Modesto Christian. The Bruins will lock up with the Huskies on Oct. 15 followed by their meeting with Modesto Christian on Oct. 20. Both games are scheduled for 4 p.m. start times.
The Bruins used a first half goal from Nasr Alsamri to outlast the Escalon Cougars for the team's seventh Trans-Valley League victory, and more importantly, sole possession of the league's top spot.
Riverbank held the Cougars (6-2, TVL) out of the net behind a solid team-defensive effort. Escalon's threats were thwarted by the shutout efforts of Bruin goalie Hugo Calderon. The Bruin keeper posted eight saves in the win, assuring Riverbank of its spot atop the TVL standings.
Riverbank rolled into their match against Escalon on the heels of a 7-0 victory over Ripon Christian High. Riverbank has outscored the Knights 11-0 in the schools' two meetings so far this season.
Ricardo Vigil, who distributed the game-winning assist in the Bruins' win over Escalon, broke loose for three goals against the Knights. Alfredo Rodriguez and Alsamri both netted shots for the Bruins in the win as well.
Riverbank's Juan Harvey and Gustavo Amezcua also were able to find the back of the net in the win over Ripon Christian. Ivan Zamudio, Mario Hernandez, Hugo Yepez and Calderon all dished out an assist, while Alsamri distributed two. Calderon also manned the net in the Bruin victory, splitting time with Zamudio and combining for a half-dozen saves.
Riverbank will look to continue the TVL path with momentum as they make back-to-back league home stands with games against Hughson and Modesto Christian. The Bruins will lock up with the Huskies on Oct. 15 followed by their meeting with Modesto Christian on Oct. 20. Both games are scheduled for 4 p.m. start times.
