By Don Ketchum

The backs of the nets were undisturbed, but there was plenty of action in a scoreless tie between host Phoenix Cortez and Phoenix Thunderbird in Monday’s (Dec. 19) opening round of the Glendale Union High School District Boys Soccer Shootout.

The teams, participating in Pool B, each played Phoenix Moon Valley in games later on Monday that followed the tie.

Tournament games are limited to 30-minute halves instead of 40, with a five-minute halftime. No overtimes or shootouts are allowed, except for the championship and third-place games on Thursday (Dec. 22).

Bracket play begins Tuesday (Dec. 20) with one game at Glendale Apollo, with a full slate of games schedule Wednesday (Dec. 21) at Apollo and Phoenix Washington.

Thunderbird entered Monday’s game as the No. 3 team in power points for Division II, while Cortez was No. 3 in Division III.

It figured to be a close game, and it was – as close as you can get. There was solid defense, including play by the goalkeepers.

Cortez had a slight edge in the first half, while the second half was ruled by Thunderbird.

Thunderbird came the closest to scoring, when a shot skimmed over the crossbar with 10:42 left in the game. The Chiefs had another opportunity off a corner kick at the 5:34 mark.

Brady Meyers, Garrett Santisteven and Drew Hensley were among the top performers for Thunderbird.

Cortez has a freshman who will be an impact player, Santos Villasenor, who hustled all over the field and displayed good ball-control and passing skills.