By Don Ketchum

Phoenix Bourgade Catholic boys soccer coach Jonathan Sang said his team is rebuilding this season.

That means it will take a great deal of work from his players on a daily basis. Results might be in small increments for awhile.

But Friday (Dec. 9) was one of those days when a bigger increment came into play.

It was a 2-1 victory over Phoenix Valley Lutheran in the first of its two first-round games of the Coyote Soccer Classic at Phoenix Arizona Lutheran High. Bourgade also faced Sedona Red Rock in another game on Friday night.

In the first game of the day, Queen Creek San Tan Foothills defeated Arizona Lutheran 8-0.

Bracket play continues Saturday (Dec. 10) beginning at 10 a.m., with the championship game set for 6 p.m.

“We lost some good players from last season, but we are optimistic. We are hopeful we can develop some young talent,’’ said Sang, in his third season at Bourgade and an assistant for the men’s program at Paradise Valley Community College in north Phoenix.

Most of the first half was a scoreless duel until freshman Jonathan Cabral broke the ice for Bourgade with a goal with 5:16 left before the break.

The Eagles were wide on some shots and hit the crossbar on a couple of occasions in an attempt to build a cushion.

With about eight minutes left in the game, senior Randy Perez put the ball in the net as a deflection off the Valley Lutheran goalkeeper came directly at him.

Bourgade kept the shutout intact until 1.3 seconds left in the game on Andrew Dufek’s goal for Valley Lutheran.

“We dominated with possession (in the Valley Lutheran end of the field), but we couldn’t finish. We didn’t capitalize on our opportunities. We couldn’t put the ball in the net,’’ Sang said.

Perhaps the Eagles learned from this one, and will be able to take advantage of more chances when they arise.