Successful opener

It was a beginning and a good one.

Mullen boys soccer broke out in the second half on Friday and thumped visiting Elizabeth 9-0 in a 4A nonleague match to open the 2019 season.

The Mustangs led the Cardinals 2-0 before going on a seven-goal binge over the final 40 minutes.

“We talked about a couple of things at halftime and just because you talk about it, it doesn’t mean it will happen,” Mustangs head coach Matthew Guglielmo said. “But they did, they made it happen.

“There were three points to make and we made some little adjustments. Kudos to the boys. And not only did we score more goals and we won, but more importantly, we just looked better. It’s the kind of play we were looking for and it happened.”

The Mustangs buzzed throughout the match and clicked significantly better in the second half.

Sophomore Eli Kerschen scored three times to set a tone.

“It was really nice and my teammates helped me a lot,” Kerschen said. “They were generous.”

Junior A.J. Gamueda scored a goal and added two assists.

“Oh, yeah, we played very well as a team and we came together,” He said. “I personally think we’re more of second-half team and we’re more confident as the game goes on.”

They were Friday as they clearly enjoyed more field position and regularly peppered Cardinals keeper Tristan Smith with shots.

Andrew DeBerardinis added two scores and Kyle Cooper, Cole Dempsey and Luke Elges each had one. For assists, Bryce Sohayda had three, Cooper and Gamueda had two, and Elges contributed another.

“We know what we have and what we’re trying to do,” Guglielmo said.

The Mustangs will have a Foundation game next week – an extra matchup that won’t count in the standing, but will serve as a fundraiser – and will hit the road on Tuesday to play another nonleaguer at Longmont.

 

Mullen goals – Eli Kerschen 3, Andrew DeBerardinis 2, Kyle Cooper, Cole Dempsey, Luke Elges, A.J. Gamueda,

Mullen assists – Bryce Sohayda 3, Kyle Cooper 2, A.J. Gamueda 2, Luke Elges.

Mullen keeper – Ethan Heffern.