The Telescope

Issue Date: 9/24/07

Comets offense steps up in victory against the Dons

By Anthony Schwartz

Media Credit: Whitney True Palomar's forward Steve Bryson works the ball upfield against Santa Ana. Bryson, a San Pasqual High product, finished with two goals in a winning effort for the Comets. Palomar avenged a 2-1 loss last season to the Dons wth a 3-1 victory on Sept. 14 at Minkoff Field.

Palomar men's soccer knocked off national powerhouse Santa Ana 3-1 Sept. 14 at Minkoff Field.

"I am very pleased with how we played today," head coach Carlos Hernandez said. "Obviously, Santa Ana has a lot of state championships to support how good they are."

Palomar earned their second win of the season in as many games.

"The best thing we did today was keep our heads in it," Palomar forward Steve Bryson said. "Everybody kept it positive and we just played our game."

Hernandez, who started at Palomar in 1994, said this is the first time the Comet have beaten the Dons since 1995.

Santa Ana won the Commission On Athletics soccer championship in 2004 and 2005.

Palomar's Paco Felix scored the first goal of the day, second of the season, unassisted in the 23rd minute.

"I was glad to see Felix scored again," Hernandez said. "He's our playmaker ? the one who makes it happen in the middle."

In the 68th minute, Santa Ana scored a goal to tie the game at one a piece.

Goalie Joey Vella played all 90 minutes and recorded seven saves while only giving up the one goal.

Approximately 10 minutes later Bryson scored on an assist by Emanuel Gutierrez. Bryson said there wasn't anything planned out for it, but that he just saw a gap and took it. Shortly after, Bryson scored again unassisted on a breakaway play.

"Stevie, just out of the blue, is coming on," Hernandez said.

Bryson continued his scoring streak with his seventh and eighth goals of the season.

Communication seemed to be lost at one point near the end, as Santa Ana set up for a penalty kick. It took Palomar over a minute to set up, and when in position, Santa Ana sailed the kick wide left.

"They worked as a team and communicated who had who," Hernandez said. "When you got a cohesive team it makes a big difference."

Santa Ana dominated field position, but all was according to plan for Hernandez.

"We wanted to pressure them," Hernandez said. "We practiced on the low pressure defense, meaning we wait for them on our half of the field and then we attack smart."

Hernandez liked his team's execution on defense.

"We got to keep working on the low-pressure defense," Hernandez said. "I think its going to be a trademark for this team once we learn how to execute it."

Hernandez said he is pleased with the way his team is playing.

"I'm proud of these guys," Hernandez said. "They've played a real tough schedule Hopefully we can keep the momentum going and get some more wins."

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