PLAYOFFS 2nd Round

Friday March 30th, 2007
Martin Warriors vs. Lewisville Hebron
Record: District 10-1-4 Over all: 12-5-6
By: Juan Ramirez

Martin Warriors played valiantly working as a team while displaying enormous amounts of heart throughout regulation time plus two 10 minute over time, falling short at the end losing 1-2 in a shoot out against Lewisville Hebron.

It will take some time before this game is forgotten by spectators and players alike.
On a cold rainy night, with inclement weather in the forecast, Coach Yocom sent our team into the pitch with a smart 4-1-3-2. This allowed us to be strong defensively yet dangerous up front. Game started with our team playing with caution slowly controlling the actions bringing the pressure to the opponent’s side.

Our team kept Hebron under pressure not allowing them to put much together. We had a couple of opportunities by T.J. Krueger and Sam Valosek, followed by back to back corner kicks. It was on this second corner kick that Casey Herd set a floating ball inside Hebron’s penalty area for Chima Onyebuchi to head the ball inside the goal for the 1-0 advantage.

With the advantage in hand, we started to play a bit more defensively pulling back on a defensive posture. Kyle Reamer was put to the test responding with confidence denying a couple of chances and making a couple of 2 handed punch saves.

First half ended with us dominating the game, having Hebron on their heels and with the minimum difference in our favor.
Second half started and after 2 minutes of play lightning in the area forced the game to be delayed and subsequently canceled until the following day. This unfortunate event would probe costly for us.

Saturday March 31st. 1:00 pm

Game was restated after the rain delay with us looking a bit nervous but still keeping our cool. The game proved to be a little different than last night. Hebron having had a chance to regroup and reorganize came out attacking putting pressure on our defense. We had a couple of chances after a foul and a long ball from Chima Onyebuchi and a defensive rebound, we had a chance to see a spectacular bicycle kick by Casey Herd just missing wide to the goal.

It seemed at times that our players were multiplying making plays offensively as well as defensively and Kyle Reamer under tremendous pressure from the Hebron advances rising to the occasion looking cool as a cucumber defending his goal.

It was about the 18th minute that Hebron got lucky catching our defense a bit unbalanced taking advantage and scoring their goal to tie the game.

To make matters worse, we lost Chima for the duration of the game due to an injury forcing our coach to pull T.J. Krueger back in Chima’s position reinforcing our defensive line.
After Hebron tied the game they stepped up the pressure playing a number of floating balls inside our penalty area challenging our defense and goalie in the air time after time. After one of these floating balls, we had a back to back header saves in the touch line first by Jordan Kaylor followed by Justin Trzepacz, and Kyle Reamer again with a double punch save.

It was not too hard to recognize Hebron’s tactic. Float the ball inside the penalty area and hope something happens.
Our defense and midfield worked overtime dispatching these hard to defend floated balls, Alex Ramirez, Casey Herd and Jordan Kaylor had a couple of great defensive header plays together with yet another great save by Kyle Reamer.
The game continued with both teams having back and forth chances, regulation time ended with a 1-1 tie.
This was a great hard fought played game with all of our players displaying copious amounts of heart, courage and team work.

First 10 minute overtime.

With renewed enthusiasm, our team played this first overtime putting lots of pressure on their defense. Our best chance came after a flagrant foul against Casey Herd just outside the penalty kick area. Casey took the direct kick with a hard great shot over the defensive wall with the Hebron goalie saving the day with a great diving save.
Once again our defense was challenged hard with Jordan Kaylor making a back to back hard defensive plays.

Second 10 minute overtime.

Second overtime is just a blur to the writer. It was Hebron’s turn to put pressure on our defense. Justin Trzepacz, Richard Pride, Jordan Kaylor and Kyle Reamer defended our net making save after save denying Hebron’s multiple floated balls inside our defensive area. Great job warriors!
What a great game to watch. All our players deserve to feel good about their efforts. We played good, displayed great teamwork and heart.
Second overtime ended scoreless forcing the dreaded “coin toss like” dribble ups.

Dribble ups.

Them Us
# 6 Scored Casey Herd Missed, good shot hitting the post.
#19 Missed left on Kyle’s Blake Barakat Missed, goalie one hand diving save
Closing the angle well.
# 16 Scored Justin Trzepacz Missed, goalie save.
# 9 Missed. Kyle’s save. Derek Torres Missed, goalie save.

Final Score Lewisville Hebron 3 Martin Warriors 1

This result ended our Warriors run for the state championship bringing our season to an end.

As a final note I would like to recognized all of our players and congratulate each and every one of them on a well fought well played season. It is never easy to start a new season with a new coach together with all the usual high expectations to perform well all around.

Congratulations to coach Yocom in being able to develop a group of good players into a team in such a short period of time. Never an easy endeavor. Way to start as a Warrior coach.

Thank you coach!!!

We wish a long, successful and rewarding career with our beloved Martin Warriors.
Finally I would like to congratulate and wish a successful collegiate soccer career to our soccer playing college bound Martin Warriors.

Blake Barakat The Knights Northwood University Cedar Hill, TX.
Casey Herd St. Louis Billikens Saint Louis University ST. Louis, Mo.
T. J. Krueger The Knights Northwood University Cedar Hill, TX.
Chima Onyebuchi The Cardinals Incarnate Word San Antonio, TX.
S. Alex Ramirez Bobcats Lees-McRae College Banner Elk, NC.
Ian Smith Hilltoppers Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY.

PLAYOFFS

Tuesday March 27th, 2007
Martin Warriors vs. Grand Prairie
Record: District 10-1-4 Over all: 12-4-6
By: Juan Ramirez

Martin Warriors start playoff contention with a decisive victory against South Grand Prairie 2-0.
After a few minutes of play and showing some nervousness, our team started to control the actions. Our first real chance came from a short range shot inside the penalty area by Sam Valosek. Shot was blocked by goalie.

Our midfield, led by Blake Barakat, Mike Cluck and Alex Ramirez, started to control the midfield creating good combinations supplying balls to the front. T.J. Krueger and Sam Valosek, supported by Derek Torres in the right flank, tried to take advantage of such opportunities.

Our defense as usual, stayed strong maintaining our goal undefeated.
Our first goal came about the 27th minute of play. Alex Ramirez, anticipating a pass from the Grand Prairie defender in the midfield intercepted a ball and while moving towards the goal made a through pass to a cutting Sam Valosek, who dribbled past the defender and took a shot across his body defeating the goalie. A nice alert play by our team.

GP trying to even the score had a good chance, negated by an even better save by our keeper Kyle Reamer. After Kyle’s blocking save, the ball continued to move towards the goal just to have Chima Onyebuchi clear the ball before it crossed the goal line.

Casey Herd joined the action bringing his characteristic explosiveness in the midfield and helped create a couple of more good chances for T.J. Krueger, Sam Valosek and Derek Torres.

For the last 8 minutes of play in the first half, GP started to put a lot of pressure on our defense searching for the tie, having Chima Onyebuchi, Richard Pride, Justin Trzepacz and Kyle Reamer working overtime to maintain our goal undefeated.

Second half started with out having the first couple of chances. Casey Herd from a corner kick play took a hard shot which was saved by the goalie. Pressure continued with shots from Blake Barakat wide right and Casey Herd wide left. A good play by Sam Valosek set T.J Krueger for a shot just to have the GP keeper dive for a save.

Finally our efforts paid dividends. In a long ball which appeared to have no consequence at first, towards the left corner of the pitch, T.J. Krueger, running hard, put the extra effort to stop the ball from leaving the field. T.J. controlled the ball and after “megging” the first defender made a sharp nice pass between converging defenders to set Alex Ramirez for a long shot. Alex, about 30 yards away without missing a step, shot hard with the ball traveling fast finding the right top angle of the net as the incredulous keeper saw the ball go by.

Game continued and the actions slowed down a bit. Teams struggled and traded attacks with our players trying their best to stay out of card trouble after a couple of questionable calls. We had our last good chance on a combination play by Sam Valosek and Derek Torres, Sam shooting hard and the GP goalie making the save.

On their part GP had a couple of approaches, dispatched with ease and poise by our goalie Kyle Reamer. Great job by our defense helping Kyle earn a shut out and advancing to the next round.

Great job by everyone.

Go Warriors!!!!

Our Martin Warriors played well, dominated and unluckily only tied Lamar 2-2 to finish district play. It was our first beautiful spring afternoon sunny and a little bit windy. We started playing slow trying to develop opportunities. As we settled down, we started to control the midfield keeping Lamar on their side of the field.

Our midfield worked hard. Mike Cluck, Alex Ramirez, Blake Barakat, Casey Herd, searching for opportunities in the front, had Ian Smith, T.J. Krueger and Sam Valosek busy searching for the seams in Lamar’s defense. At the same time, our defense Chima Onyebuchi, Richard Pride and Justin Trzepacz stayed focused, helping Kyle Reamer protect our net.

Lamar had a good chance to open the score on a corner kick play. Lamar attacker found a way to head the ball towards the goal. Derek Torres at the touch line cleared the ball, saving the score.

We opened the score on a play started in the back by Alex Ramirez; Alex passed the ball to Ian Smith who after dribbling, made a long pass to Sam Valosek on the left flank. Sammy moving hard inside the penalty area was fouled and before falling to the ground managed to cross to ball back to the 6 to an open wide Ian Smith. Ian made a nice easy tap for the score.

On an unexpected transition ball, Lamar tied the game. A long ball was crossed over our defense to an apparent off side position attacker, creating a 1v1 play. Kyle Reamer anticipated the play moving out closing the angle well; unfortunately the shot found the back of the net.

Just as we were back on the attack pounding at Lamar’s door, another lucky long ball by Lamar created another 1v1 for Kyle. Kyle once again came out covered the angle establishing his defensive position; unfortunately the ball passed just millimeters away from a diving effort by our keeper Kyle Reamer. The first half ended with out dominating, yet behind the score.

After a nice senior night ceremony, we started the second half with renewed enthusiasm. As is tradition, all of our senior players played most of the second half of the game.
Our second goal to tie the game developed from a very exciting play. Chima Onyebuchi on the right side of the field and all the way in the back controlled a ball and moved towards Lamar’s defending area. Chima, shaking and baking defenders, kept the ball moving and continued moving towards the touch line. Just before the ball crossed the touch line, Chima floated a ball chest high back into the center of the penalty area. Almost as in slow motion, Ian Smith, with a beautiful diving header, connected with the ball, sending it to the back of the net to even the score to the delight of all our fans.

With renewed force, we pounded Lamar’s defense with shots by Ian Smith, Casey Herd, T.J. Krueger and Alex Ramirez to no avail. On their part, Lamar had a chance to score after a defensive rebound and a shot luckily hitting the post. D.J. Sweet kept us in the game with a couple of good saves denying Lamar’s chances.

We continued trying for the go ahead score with no luck. As we know, time stops for nobody. Game time continued to move, and we ran out of time with the game ending in a tie.

Our team finished 2nd place in the district and will continue to the play-offs playing against Grand Prairie on Tuesday March 27th.

We wish our Warriors good luck in this run to the play- offs and hope they continue playing well in their quest to the state championship.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors plays well and outplayed Cedar Hill winning 3-1.

Our team started this game by playing well with good organization and presence on the pitch. This good organization helped us develop many good chances and good combinations keeping Cedar Hill well in a defensive posture for most of the first half.

A few of these chances were a nice header by Ian Smith just wide of the net, good long shot by Alex Ramirez just over crossbar, good penetration on the right, and a great cross by Derek Torres, followed by a 1v1 inside the penalty area by Sam Valosek. Sammy was mugged inside the penalty area, and no call was made. Ian Smith and Sam Valosek combined once more inside the penalty area Sam shot the ball, hitting the post and missing the score.

Our team was definitely applying as much pressure on top as they could. This started to create a void in the midfield allowing Cedar Hill to have a couple of transition plays. In one of their approaches and after a scramble inside our penalty area, Derek Torres saved a goal clearing a ball just before it crossed our goal’s touch line.

As we regained our composure, Jordan Kaylor, started a play combining with Derek Torres, Derek moved the ball and passing the ball to Blake Barakat, Blake made a good through pass to Ian Smith. Ian shot har, unfortunately right to the goalie’s hand.

Our last approach of the half came from a play started once again by Derek Torres. Derek fighting hard and winning possession combined with Alex Ramirez in the midfield. Alex dribbled hard giving another good through ball to Ian Smith. Ian’s shot went again to the goalie’s hand.

Second half started just as the first finished. Another great play by Derek Torres inside the penalty area moving down to the touch line crossing the ball back to Ian Smith. Ian’s shot was decisive and hit the post. Sam Valosek took the ball from the rebound shooting hard; unfortunately, the Cedar Hill keeper’s luck continued by making the save.

Just as we were overwhelming the opponent, Cedar Hill scored first on a long cross ball over our defense finding a lone attacker heading the ball to score first.

Fortunately, it took just a few minutes for our team to even the score. From the midfield Blake Barakat moved with the ball under control making a nice through ball pass to a running Sam Valosek. Sammy, this time on another 1v1, faked the goalie making a nice easy pass to the back of the net.

Our second score came from a long ball played by Casey Herd from the pitch’s mid circle. Casey sent the long ball to Sam Valosek. Sammy, while running inside the penalty area, controlled the ball in the air with a nice one touch setting a hard decisive shot to the keeper’s left side. Nice play all around.

Our third and last score came from a direct kick awarded after a foul on Sammy just outside the 18th. Casey Herd took a nice controlled shot just around the defensive wall and inside the left post finding the back of the net.

As the game slowed down a bit, we had a few more opportunities and controlled the pace. Our defense looked solid with Kyle Reamer dispatching with ease and posture the Cedar Hill chances helped by Justin Trzepacz, Jordan Kaylor and Richard Pride in the back.

We also had an opportunity to see in action a few of our players such as J.T. Updegraff, Brian Cameron, Dan Cauthen, Phillip Dixon and Axel Sagastume.

Game came to an end with a well deserved win.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors pay back Bowie by defeating them 2-1.

From the start, the game was fast and well played. Our team had a couple of good approaches by both flanks. Sam Valosek combined with T.J. Krueger on a good play. T.J.’s shot was rejected by a defender. Ian Smith also took a good shot which was, unfortunately, saved by the Bowie’s goalie.

Bowie had their best chance of the game on a direct kick which crossed over the front post. A Bowie attacker made contact with the well crossed ball missing the post by an inch.
On another approach by our team, Sam Valosek had a great breakaway shooting hard and low only to have the goalie deny the opportunity with a save.

Our team continued to pressure over Bowie’s defense. Derek Torres from a throw in moved down to the touch line crossing the ball to Sam. Sam’s shot was a little wide rebounding on a defender to Casey Herd. Casey, on the rebound, took a shot just over the cross bar missing by an inch.

For the most part, the game was played on Bowie’s half. Bowie continued defending well and hoping for a break away.

Almost at the end of the first half, we finally open the score on a ball controlled by Blake Barakat in the midfield. Blake moved forward fast towards Bowie’s penalty area attracting a few defenders; at the very last second, Blake passed the ball to Sam Valosek who moved inside the penalty area taking a decisive shot to beat the goalie.

The second half started a little bit slow with both teams playing somewhat unorganized, depending too much on the long ball and individual efforts.

T.J. Krueger was fouled just outside the penalty area giving us the opportunity for a direct kick. Alex Ramirez took a nice shot with good location moving towards the upper left corner. Bowie’s goalie anticipated the shot well and controlled the ball.

Our second goal came from a nice combination in the midfield between Casey Herd, Derek Torres, Blake Barakat and Alex Ramirez. Alex received a pass from Blake and flicked the ball over the defender’s head just to be fouled hard as he tried to continue moving towards the goal. As a result of this foul, we were awarded a direct kick about 15 yards away from the 18th. Ian Smith executed the direct kick with the ball traveling fast about knee high, the goalie was just unable to handle the ball.

After this second goal, we dominated the game moving the ball well, with purpose, moving defenders from side to side.

Bowie was able to score their only goal, after an obvious dangerous play (high kick) foul against Justin Trzepacz was missed by the referees. It appeared by the fan's reaction that referees wanted to influence the outcome of the game making a few questionable calls to say the least. It almost seemed that the officials wanted to even the game in fact ruining the last minutes of a good played game.

Game ended with a deserving win for us.

Go Warriors!!!!

Tuesday March 6th, 2007
Martin Warriors vs. Duncanville
Record: District 7-1-3 Over all: 8-4-6
By: Juan Ramirez

Martin Warriors tie 1-1 on a hard, well played game against district rival Duncanville.

As expected this game was a difficult one. We played our best and did not disappoint anyone even if the score was not completely in our favor; our team played their best game of the season. Everyone on the pitch displayed a great heart and love for the game.

From the start, both team traded chances, each team playing with caution probing each other for weaknesses. For the most part the game was played in the midfield. Slowly we started to own the midfield. Casey Herd and Alex Ramirez worked together supplying balls to the front line, while Ian Smith and T.J. Krueger stayed busy looking for the seams in the Duncanville’s defense. At the same time in our back, Chima Onyebuchi, Derek Torres and Justin Trzepacz stayed busy playing good defense stopping Duncanville advances.

On a rather freakish play, Duncanville floated a ball inside our penalty area. At first this ball seemed to be of no consequence. Our goalie Kyle Reamer came out and uncharacteristically missed the ball. Chima Onyebuchi, Richard Pride and Justin Trzepacz converged and collided in the small penalty area trying to clear the slow bouncing ball. Unfortunately, neither of them could clear the slow moving ball.

With the score 0-1 coach made a couple of tactical formation moves in an effort to bring more power to our attack. We started to develop a few opportunities playing primarily in Duncanville’s half. Due to our team’s efforts pressuring the opponent, Duncanville had a couple of break aways resulting in at least three direct kicks against our goal very close to our penalty area.

With seven minutes left in the second half, on a play started by Casey Herd, Casey passed the ball to Ian Smith on the left flank. Ian crossed to ball inside the penalty area to T.J. Krueger. T.J. following the play shot low to the goalie’s left to tie the game.

Scoring this goal invigorated our team, and we ended dominating the remaining minutes of the match. All of our players showed a great desire to win; they play hard and left all they had on the pitch. This was a high intensity well played game. The game was so intense that a times it seemed that either team could end up winning the match.

This really was a great game to watch.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors win decisively 4-0 against De Soto.

Our team displayed a few changes in our regular formation. For this game we had T.J. Krueger starting in the back as sweeper and had Ian Smith and Jordan Kaylor on the right and left back, and Dan Cauthen joined Sam Valosek on top.

Game was a little bit disorganized mainly due to De Soto’s inability to control the ball playing mainly kick ball.

Our first real chance came from a direct kick after a foul on Ian Smith. Mike Cluck took the direct kick with a low nice shot unfortunately hitting the right post.

A few minutes later from a throw in on the left side, Bobby Kirwen crossed the ball by the near post inside the small penalty area. Alex Ramirez following the play took a one touch shot with his left foot. The ball hit the crossbar, and we missed the scoring opportunity.
Our first goal came from a direct kick just outside the penalty area. This kick was awarded on a delay of game against the De Soto goalie. Ian Smith shot low and hard to the right post opening the score.

At the start of the second half on a play by T.J. Krueger moving down to the touch line, T.J. passed the ball back to Casey Herd. Casey shot, and yes, you got it the ball hit the post again. The ball rebounded to Blake Barakat outside the 18. Blake shot/crossed the ball towards Ian Smith. Ian controlled and shot scoring his second goal of the night.

Warriors took control over the game continuing to play well and dominating the opponent.
Our third goal started in the middle of the field. Alex Ramirez won a ball and moved a little forward. Alex made a pass over the head of a couple of De Soto’s defenders to Blake Barakat. Blake controlled the ball and moved fast towards the 18, as defenders came out to try to stop him; Blake fed a beautiful ball to T.J. Krueger. T.J. shot on the run and the keeper deflected the shot, T.J. following his own shot headed the ball in.

Offering no opposition to speak off from De Soto, we moved the ball well and looked good as a team.

Our final goal came from a throw in from Ian Smith to Casey Herd, Casey moved down to the touch line making a nice cross in front of the net to J.T. Updegraff for a one touch shot into the net.

During this game, we had the opportunity to see Phillip Dixon, Brian Cameron, Derek Lane and Thomas Wick in action.

The game ended with a good win.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors win again this time defeating Arlington High 1-0.

Our team started the game playing well keeping the ball on the Arlington side. We had a couple of good shots by Ian Smith and Casey Herd, probing for weaknesses in Arlington’s defense. Alex Ramirez and Blake Barakat worked containing the midfield and creating chances. It seemed to be just a matter of time before we opened the score. Here are a few of our opportunities.

- From a throw in we had a header from Sam Valosek just wide to the goal.
- From the left side a run by Ian Smith crossing the ball to Casey Herd on his left shot wide.
- From Casey Herd to Alex Ramirez, Alex dribbled giving a through ball to T.J. Krueger. T.J. shot wide to the right

Our team playing good knocking hard at Arlington’s door. On their side Arlington had a good chance on a flicked ball resulting on a 1v1 forcing Kyle Reamer to come out and meet the attacker, diving at his feet. The attacker shot the ball hitting the post and missing the scoring opportunity.

Just before the first half ended Alex Ramirez fought and won a ball on the left side of the field, moving down and crossing a good ball to Ian Smith. Ian controlled the ball and shot missing wide again. All of us in the stand started to hope for not another game like the one against Lamar.

As the second half got on its way, teams traded chances with Arlington missing wide one more time. Finally at the 10th minute into the 2nd half from a direct kick on the right side of the pitch close to the midfield, Chima Onyebuchi made a long cross to the back post. Ian Smith towering above a couple of defenders headed the ball in the upper right corner of the net for a nice play and goal.

As Arlington tried to get back into the game, the actions became faster with back and forth incursions by both teams on each others side of the field.

Our last chance to add to the score came on a long shot by Casey Herd. The ball hit the cross bar rebounding towards T.J. Krueger. T.J. shot missing the goal wide.

A good played game with lots of action and good plays. We should have scored a few more goals.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors beat Sam Houston 4-1.
Our team looked good from the start of this game. We displayed good composure in the back and control in the middle together with good intensity in the front.

Eight minutes into the game, in a combination between Blake Barakat and Mike Cluck on the left side of the field, Mike made a nice through ball to T.J. Krueger. T.J. was charged from the back inside the penalty area for an obvious penalty kick. Ian Smith took the PK faking the goalie to the left and shooting the ball to the right side.

Our team continued to work well, moving the ball well and having opportunities from both flanks while our defense continued to play hard keeping Sam Houston advances away.
Our second goal came from a throw in on the left side that bounced off a defender finding T.J. open. T.J. one touched the ball shooting hard defeating the goalie on the upper left corner. A great shot making for a nice highlight for our video. With a 2-0 in our favor, we slowed down a little bit giving the other team a couple of shots at our goal.

The second half started with renewed pressure from Sam Houston. Our defense stayed calm and worked out their chances. Justin Trzepacz, Richard Pride and Jordan Kaylor kept Sam away and under control.

Our third goal came from a direct kick awarded in our favor, after Ian Smith was fouled about 10 yards away from the 18th. Mike Cluck took the shot placing the ball over the wall and across the net in the upper left corner. Another nice highlight deserving shot.
Our midfield regained control of the game lead by Alex Ramirez, Blake Barakat, Mike Cluck and Derek Torres. At times we seemed to be toying with the opposite team, moving the ball around with good poise and control.

Our 4th and final goal came from play initiated by Derek Torres. Derek played a ball to Sam Valosek on the left side. Sammy moved down to the touch line defeating the defender and crossing a nice easy paced ball into the center of the penalty area. Dan Cauthen following the play closely tapped the ball inside the goal.

With five minutes to spare, Sam Houston scored their only goal on a direct kick.

Our team played well staying focus and finished with a deserved win.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors tie a scoreless match against Lamar.

The game started a little bit slow with both teams working hard in the midfield trying to control the action. As the game continued, we had multiple opportunities from well put together plays; unfortunately, we were unable to open the score.

Here is a summary of a few of the opportunities we had.
- From T.J. Krueger to Derek Torres cross for a Sam Valosek’s header. One hand goalie save.
- A combination Ian Smith to Sam Valosek and back to Ian, shot over the crossbar.
- A combination between T.J Krueger and Derek Torres, cross in the middle nobody there to   finish.
- Self play by Blake Barakat dribbled inside the penalty area shot, ball rebounded Blake again on a spinning volley, hitting the goalie in the chest with the ball.
- From a throw in to Ian Smith, Ian down cross to T.J. Kruger, T.J. shot missing the frame.
- From Casey Herd to Blake Barakat to Sam Valosek. Sam moved inside the 18 all the way   down to touch line back across to Casey Herd. Casey’s shot was deflected by the goalie’s    leg.
- From Blake Barakat down from the touch line pass back to Sam Valosek, Sam shot  missing the frame.

Four minutes before the end of the first half, Chima Onyebuchi was sent off. Chima after being fouled hard lost his composure and chased the Lamar player who fouled him, earning him the red card.

Basically a one sided game in our favor; we just could not catch a break.
The first half ended with a few more chances and no luck at opening the score.
The second half was no different. Our team continued pressing and Lamar defending any way they could. Lamar had a couple of break away plays for a pair of good opportunities, scaring our fans in the stands.

Playing a man down really affected our ability to find a man open on the pitch. This caused an intermittent and not very organized offense.

Just before the game ended, we had our last opportunity to come out with the win. On a hard direct kick by Ian Smith, the ball hit the post bouncing back into play. Casey Herd tried a flashy bicycle kick connecting with the ball but missing the frame.

Game ended with a disappointing 0-0 tie.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors returned to the winning column with a 6-1 win over Cedar Hill.
The game started slow with both teams trying to get into the action. T.J. Krueger showed good dynamic style up front creating a couple of good chances. Cedar Hill created a couple of good approaches and shots handled well by our goalie Kyle Reamer.

15 minutes into the half, we opened the score on a pre-fab corner kick play between Casey Herd and Blake Barakat. Blake received the ball short and dribbled inside the penalty area passing the ball diagonally back to Casey. Casey shot low to the left post scoring our first goal.

With us ahead in the score, we played a bit sloppy, not connecting with each other, relying too much on the long ball and individual effort rather than combinations and team work. Almost at the end of the half, we missed a good chance to add to the score. Derek Torres fed a nice ball to Ian Smith on the right side, Ian crossed a great ball, unfortunately Bobby Kirwen missed the ball on an open net.

Our second goal came with seconds to spare in the first half. Once again on a corner kick combination between Casey Herd and Blake Barakat, Blake moved along the touch line taking a hard shot which the goalie could not handle. The ball rebounded back to Blake for a second chance; this time Blake put the ball back in the net.

The second half started with us scoring within 4 minutes of play. Blake Barakat took a shot outside the penalty area; the ball rebounded to T.J. Krueger. T.J. taking a shot on his own defeated the Cedar Hill goalie for our third goal.

25 minutes into the second half, Blake Barakat received a ball in the midfield. Blake moved towards the Cedar Hill goal with patience and under control looking for a pass. Cedar Hill defense moved back, giving Blake a good look to the net. Blake shot and scored our fourth goal.

Cedar Hill scored their lone goal on a good play from the left side, crossing the ball followed by a header; the ball hit the post and went inside just enough to be counted as a goal.

At the 31st minute, Ian Smith on the left side moved swiftly into the penalty area, faking a pass to his right,making the defense commit. Ian shot the ball instead to add to our score.

The final goal in the game came in the last minute of play. Mike Cluck, moving hard and fast inside the penalty area, was fouled, resulting in a penalty kick in our favor. With the game practically won, all of our players called for Brian Cameron to take the penalty. Coach went with the populous demand and allowed Brian to execute the penalty kick. Brian showing good style shot low to the left scoring our 6th and last goal of the game.

Game ended with a good victory for our team.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors wins decisively 5-1 against district contender Duncanville.
Both teams had a good start in this game, playing mainly in the middle of the field. As long as we moved and passed the ball with purpose we looked good. As we were establishing control of this game, from a corner kick Duncanville was able to score their only goal.

Fourteen minutes into the game, Blake Barakat fought for and won a ball in the middle of the field on the right side. Moving forward, Blake made a through ball pass to Sam Valosek splitting two defenders. Sam moved inside the penalty area drawing the goalie out, Sam cut to the left and shot the ball to even the score 1-1.

At the 21st minute, on the top right corner of the penalty area, T.J. Krueger won a ball making an overlap pass to Sam Valosek. Sam moved down to the touch line and made a nice cross inside the penalty area to a closing S. Alex Ramirez. Alex tapped the ball scoring the goal. However as the ball was crossing the goal line, T.J. Kruger was fouled inside the penalty area. The referee saw the foul and blew his whistle awarding us a PK, yet denying the score. Casey Herd was called to execute the PK. Casey took a decisive shot to the right giving the Warriors the lead 2-1.

Our third score came from a series of shots and defensive rebounds. Back to back shots from Ian Smith and Sam Valosek were rejected by the opponent’s defense. On the second deflection, the ball rebounded towards T.J. Krueger. Finally, T.J. from outside the 18th shot low to the keeper’s left finding the back of the net.

We developed a couple of more good plays including a great give and go combination between Casey Herd, Alex Ramirez finishing with a great shot by Sam Valosek. We finished the half strong playing good and with good posture on the pitch.

Just as the second half got on its way, from the left midfield, Blake Barakat battled and won a ball. Blake dribbled a few yards making a great pass to Ian Smith who was supporting the play running on the left side. Ian without slowing down moved inside the pk area crossing the ball to a closing Sam Valosek. Sammy tapped the ball for an early quick goal.

With this good lead, we relaxed a little, maintained our posture and kept the pressure on Duncanville’s defense. Duncanville tried a few counter attacks just to find a well anchored defense. As the game closed to an end, we had the opportunity to see all of our players in action. Dan Cauthen, Mike Cluck, Grant Nelson, J.T. Updegraff, Jordan Kaylor, Phillip Dixon and Brian Cameron were called to action.

Just with 3 minutes left on the second half, Mike Cluck made a pass from the top left corner of the penalty area to S. Alex Ramirez. Alex controlled the ball, dribbled inside the penalty area shaking a couple of defenders shooting low to the goalie’s right scoring our fifth and last goal.

Good game to watch, our team played with great composure, lots of good purpose plays, well established in the middle and defensive thirds and most of all taking advantage of the scoring opportunities. Great game everyone.

Go Warriors!!!!

Tuesday February 13th, 2007
Martin Warriors vs. Bowie
Record: District 3-1-1 Over all: 5-4-4

Martin Warriors lose first district game of the season against Bowie 0-2.
On a night when the temperature was 35ºF and winds of about 25 MPH making it feel like 17 ºF, our team was handed their first district loss. Maybe due to the inclement weather, the game left a lot to be desired. Both teams displayed lack of organization and control both offensively and defensively. With the wind in our favor, the first half was played mainly at Bowie’s defensive end.

We tried as we could to open the score to no avail. Bowie had a couple of break away plays, one of them hitting the cross bar. As the second half came around, the situation was inverted; Bowie played most of the time on our defensive end. Once again the wind had a lot to do with the ball staying on one side of the field only. For this second half, we saw the return of Jordan Kaylor. Jordan was called to play stopper adding some control in the center of the field.

Bowie put a lot of pressure on our defense and had various opportunities to score. Our keeper D.J. Sweet had a couple of fantastic saves keeping us in the game and maintaining his goal undefeated. As the game moved close to the end, we had our best opportunity to break the tie in a break away play by Chima Onyebuchi. Chima dribbled the ball from our half into their defensive area shaking defenders as they came putting pressure on him. At the last second the last defender finally took the ball away from Chima denying him the score.

With a bit of bad luck and with the help of the wind, at the 39th minute of the second half, Bowie got lucky on a long shot which found its way into our goal. To add insult to injury, as we went on the attack, moving hard trying to tie the game in the last seconds, Bowie on a break away took the ball inside our pk area, shooting the ball out of the reach our goalie for the final score 0-2.

This was a hard loss to deal with. By the way Bowie celebrated their victory, you would think they just won the state championship. Rest assured our team is already looking forward to the rematch on March 9th at Martin.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors defeats De Soto 2-0.
Martin Warriors added another district game victory. Game started with a couple of good runs from both flanks. Five minutes into the game in a play from the left side, Ian Smith moving down close to the end line crossed a nice easy ball into the center of the penalty area finding T.J Krueger. T.J. tapped the ball in for an easy early 1-0.

Game continued with back and forth plays, our team putting together a few more opportunities. We had good midfield contention, and our defense continued playing good.

Second half came around with our team showing renewed enthusiasm having approaches by Ian Smith, Casey Herd, T.J. Kruger, Blake Barakat Sam Valosek and a long shot by S. Alex Ramirez. As we continued having numerous chances, everybody wanted to try their luck at scoring, developing new chances and shots.

With our team pressing on the opponent’s side, De Soto had a couple of transition plays one of which resulted in a dangerous scoring play. Luckily, our goalie D.J. Sweet made a great save keeping the score 1-0 in our favor.

Finally, on a challenge play in front of the De Soto penalty area, Ian Smith intercepted the ball and dribble moving inside the penalty area between a couple of defenders, taking his time and placing an easy shot to the left of the goalie for the 2-0 goal.

Our last chance came from a play deep in our defensive area, Ian Smith cleared a ball finding Sam Valosek about 20 yards outside the penalty area. Sam dribbled the ball hard creating a 1v1 against the goalie. Sam pulled the goalie out, moving to his left, shooting the ball low across his body. A second before the ball crossed the goal line, the last defender cleared the ball away saving the goal.

Game ended with a deserved win in our favor.

Go Warriors!!!!

Martin Warriors wins first district game 3-1 against perennial rival Arlington HS.
The scores for the Warriors team came from Ian Smith, Arlington’s own goal and T.J. Krouger. According to some comments from the fans attending this event, the game was played well with out team looking better organized than the opposition.
Sorry no further details due to writer’s absence.

Go Warriors!!!

Tuesday January 30th, 2007
Martin Warriors vs. Sam Houston
Record: District 0-0-1 Over all: 2-3-4
By: J. Ramirez

Martin Warriors starts district play with a 2-2 tie against a very improved 6-1-1- Sam Houston.

Martin Warriors started district play showing a new interesting formation. Ian Smith was called to play as stopper, and Casey Herd was moved into the striker position joining Sammy Valosek. In the back, we saw the return of Chima Onyebuchi together with Richard Pride on the left fullback and Bobby Kirwen in the outside left midfield.

From the start of the game, Sam Houston displayed a very fast aggressive style. We countered with good ball control and patience. We had the first couple of approaches to the goal with incursions from the right and left side by Sammy Valosek.

At about the 8 minute of play, Sammy Valosek was fed a ball into the opponent’s penalty area. The play originally seemed to be of no consequence since Sammy was surrounded by at least 3 defender's. However, Sammy after controlling the ball and dribbling between the defenders shot low and to the right of the keeper to open the score.

Our team relaxed a bit after our score continuing to play well. Sam Houston kept coming creating a few chances of their own. On a questionable call, the referee awarded Sam Houston with an indirect kick to our right outside of the penalty area. A Sam Houston player took a hard off target shot; unfortunately for us the ball was deflected in front of our net, changing direction and finding the back of our goal.

This bad break seemed to invigorate our team as they went right back to play with various counterattacks, putting pressure on Sam’s defense keeping the ball mostly on their side of the field. The first half ended by the teams playing really hard with us keeping the pressure on and with Sam defending their goal anyway they could.

The second half started with not a lot of fortune. A penalty kick was called against us on what appeared to be a clear dive from the attacker. After Sam took the lead, the game became rough and stayed that way for a few minutes. After a while, we started to regain our posture putting together a few good plays and combinations.

Our hard work paid off, and around the 20th minute, after a shot to the net and a hand ball inside the penalty area, we were awarded a penalty kick. Casey Herd took the PK shooting low to the right of the keeper.

With the game tied, both teams played with good pace looking for the go ahead goal. Sam Houston had a final chance to score on a break away play. Our goalie D.J. Sweet made a timely save by coming out and diving low to his right, making a great save, keeping the score tied.

On our side, our good opportunity to go ahead came from a play started by Sammy Valosek on the left side of the field. Sammy attracted a couple of players, only to put the ball across the midfield to S. Alex Ramirez, Alex took a solid shot from outside the penalty area, missing the cross bar by only a few inches.

The game finally came to an end with a tie. All our players played with an abundance of heart against a very hard physical and fast opponent.

Go Warriors!!!!

Saturday January 27 th, 2007
MIT Invitational
Martin Warriors vs Nimitz
Record 2-3-3  
       
By: J. Ramirez

Martin Warriors wins!!! Our team defeated Nimitz 2-1.

For this game we were not able to have a few of our starting players again due to card trouble, college campus visits etc., thus forcing our coach to dig deep into our pool of players. A trio of our sophomore player’s pool was called to action. Justin Trzepacz #25, Calvin Hovselan #26 and Tyler Ball # 27.

Understandably, it took a few minutes for our team to adapt to the new additions to the roster. We scored first close to the 12 th minute of play in the first half. Blake Barakat, from the middle of the field, on a throw in ball fed Sammy Valosek. Sammy moved inside the penalty area, shooting low across the net, defeating the goalie to open the score.

As the game continued, we looked good creating opportunities, and being careful in the back. We added to the score on a ball recovered by Sebastian Barraza in our deep end. Sebastian controlled the ball and made a pass to Mike Cluck in the midfield. Mike dribbled the ball shaking off a defender and making a pass to Sammy, on the left side of the field. Sammy with his now characteristic style, moved inside the penalty area shooting the ball low to the left to defeat the goalie for the second time in the game.

As the game continued, our keeper, Kyle Reamer made a couple of great saves helping us to maintain the lead. In the back Calvin Hovseplan, Sebastian Barraza and Ian Smith played a solid and smart defense.

As the first half was about the end. Nimitz was awarded a direct kick about 10 yards outside our penalty area. The shot was taken and deflected by our defensive wall finding the back of our net.

The second half started, and our team started to show signs of fatigue and wea,r yet everybody continued playing hard. It was a good game, with lots of struggle, solid “D” and some not so favorable calls from the center referee. It seemed at times that Nimitz had the unfair advantage of having a “12 th” man on the field.

As time continued and with Nimitz pressing on, our goalie D.J. Sweet made a great save diving to his right to stop a long distance shot. Our midfield lead by Blake Barakat, S. Alex Ramirez and Casey Herd had to work double time controlling the middle and defending Nimitz advances.

Time finally expired, and our team came out with a well deserved, well fought victory.

Go Warriors!!!!

Friday January 26 th, 2007
MIT Invitational
Martin Warriors vs Summit
Record 1-3-3 
     
By: J. Ramirez

Martin Warriors tie 1-1. Our team took the field with renewed spirits and eager to find the ever elusive “W”. The game started with both teams looking for control. Good struggle in the midfield trading attacks evenly. Our defense lead by Chima Onyebuchi, Ian Smith and Jordan Kaylor stayed busy and dispatched Summit’s attacks as needed.

Alex Ramirez, Blake Barakat Derek Torres and Mike Cluck worked hard trying to establish control of the midfield. The first score of the game started with a goal kick from our defensive side. The ball was flickered by J.T. Updegraff in to Sammy Valosek. Sammy controlled the ball, dribbled through a defender moving inside the penalty, taking a shot low the keeper’s left side.

Our team started to dominate the game creating good approaches including a header just over the cross bar by J.T. Updegraff. With patience and good plays, we set the tempo and pace of the game.

On a ball cleared by Chima Onyebuchi, Sammy captured the ball and on an individual effort, challenged the defender one on one only to be fouled for a PK opportunity.

Alex Ramirez was called to execute the PK. Alex took a good hard shot low to the keeper’s right, only to hit the post missing the scoring opportunity.

The second half of the game started with good scrappy plays and combinations. Slowly we gained control of the game developing a few scoring opportunities. Both teams engaged in a good played game, trading scorings chances.

Once again lady luck turned her back on us. A questionable foul was called just outside our penalty area. A free kick was taken sending the ball into our penalty area. Our keeper D.J. Sweet made a save, slapping the ball away. Unfortunately, the ball found an offensive Summit player. Summit’s player took a shot into an open net, tying the game.

With the game tied Summit put together a couple of final opportunities testing our defense. Our defense repelled the charges and kept Summit from scoring.

Our team played a good game and should have won. We played a good pace game and with posture moving the ball well and dominating the action throughout the match.

 

Go Warriors!!!!

Thursday January 25 th, 2007
MIT Invitational
Martin Warriors vs Longview
Record: 1-3-2

By: J. Ramirez

Martin Warriors fall 1-4 against Longview. Our soccer squad started the MIT under difficult circumstances.

Both teams started the game slow, trying to find each other’s weakness. Initially, we had a couple of good chances with no avail.

About the 12th minute, Longview scored their fist goal from a free kick outside the penalty area. The ball was served inside the penalty area onto a Longview player who shot the ball in to the upper left corner of our keeper. After this goal, Longview turned up the pressure, keeping our team on a defensive posture.

Our team tied the game about the 14 th minute of the half. Derek Torres, deep from the left side of our defensive third, made a long pass to a running Sam Valosek. Sammy took on a couple of players moving inside the penalty area and shooting with his left. Goalie saved the initial shot only to send the ball into the center of the area to an alert J.T. Updegraff. J.T. tapped the ball inside the net for the tie. Tying the game seemed to motivate our players, and our team started to play well and dominate. Our midfield started to control the game with good combinations between Derek Torres, Alex Ramirez, Blake Barakat and Casey Herd. We again had a couple of opportunities coming from our front line by J.T. Updegraff and Sammy Valosek.

Longview regained the lead on a confusing play. A ball was crossed to a player in an apparent offside position deflecting the ball into our net. Our defense seemed confused and waiting for a call that never came. We had an opportunity to even the score on a throw from Derek Torres into a running Casey Herd. Casey took a nice left shot low to the left of the goalie. The goalie dove and made the save, denying our team the score.

Once again Longview scored. This time from a corner kick and after the ball was cleared out of our penalty area; the ball was re-crossed to an attacker who flicked the ball over Kyle Reamer’s attempt to punch the ball away.

The second half started with our team trying to find rhythm and posture. Longview scored their 4 th and last goal inside the 15 th minute of the second half. Our team continued to work hard putting pressure against the Longview defense, developing a couple of opportunities. Opportunities came from Sammy Valosek, Alex Ramirez and Casey Herd taking shots with no luck.

The game ended with a disappointing loss. Our team in general played better than the opposition, and yet luck was on the other team’s side. Our team played hard regardless of the adverse score and never lost heart.

Go Warriors!!!!