SPRINGDALE — An attitude adjustment may be what the Springdale boys soccer team needs, according to coach DJ Beeler.
The Bulldogs scored two goals in both halves to defeat Bentonville 4-0 in a 6A-West Conference game Friday at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium.
The win came after a 0-0 tie against Bentonville West on Tuesday. Coach Beeler said he felt like his team wasn't as focused as it needed to be on Tuesday, but that wasn't the case against the Tigers (7-6-1, 3-2-1). The league position is 10 points.
“We have a lot of respect for Bentonville and I think that's why it was the attitude, the focus and the kids' approach that we needed going into the game,” Beeler said. “That's because we know what Bentonville is capable of. I was just happy to see that we came in with the right attitude and the results spoke for themselves.”
Springdale played the ball forward for most of the night and was able to use its speed to move the ball and create opportunities on offense.
However, the Bulldogs' first goal came from a set piece five minutes into the game. Aaron Rodriguez took a corner kick and Johnny Alcala hit a free Allen Maldanado in front of the goal, giving Springdale a 1-0 lead with 35:26 left in the first half.
Springdale's second goal came with 15:38 left in the game, giving them a 2-0 lead. When Giovanni Castro turned his back and shot the ball down the field, Brian Bartolo ran behind the Bentonville defense and scored.
Bentonville coach Mike Devaney said he warned his team that this was a real scoring opportunity.
“Our problem is that we trained for it. [Thursday] “It's to destroy the space at the back, because we know they're fast up front,” Devaney said. If we run into your back, it's our fault and we contributed to the destruction. ”
Springdale took a 3-0 lead in the 50th minute when Giovanni Salazar converted a penalty kick after being fouled 18 yards inside the box.
The Bulldogs' winning goal came with less than six minutes left in the game. The ball was played on the left and Bartolo sent a pass into the front of the goal where Jonathan Calderon deposited it for a 4-0 lead.
“It was a beautiful goal,” Boehler said.
Beeler said the challenge now is to maintain focus and attitude.
“If we can keep that up, we can be happy with the game in front of us,” Beeler said. “If you let up on your focus, you’re right back to where anyone in this league can beat you or tie you overnight.”
Springdale (11-2-3, 3-0-2) collected three points for a total of 11 and overtook Bentonville in the league standings, but Friday's win gave Fayette 12 points. I fell behind Bill and Rogers.
Springdale plays at Fayetteville on Tuesday and hosts Rodgers next Friday.
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Bentonville 4, Springdale 0
Sidney Hopper scored two goals in the first half and Bentonville (13-2-1, 5-0-1) won the 6A West Conference.
Kayla Hurley was fouled and converted a penalty kick, giving the Lady Tigers a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Bentonville added a goal in the second half by star Cheshire. Springdale fell to 1-6-2, 1-4.
