The Atlanta High School soccer team is still learning what it takes to be competitive in their district

Atlanta soccer team still on learning curve, drop 11-0 match to MP

Ruben Duran, #17, and the rest of his Rabbit teammates hosted Pleasant Grove on Friday, March 16. The Rabbits will next play Tuesday, March 20, at home for Senior Night against Pittsburg.

by Joel Williams sports@atlantacitizensjournal.com

The Atlanta High School soccer team is still learning what it takes to be competitive in their district. Playing against schools with more established programs takes a great deal of patience as a coach as well as heart and determination for the players.

The Rabbits travelled to Mt. Pleasant to challenge the Tigers on March 13, and came away with a lesson in the form of an 11-0 defeat to district leading Mt. Pleasant.

Stressing an aggressive style of play, Atlanta Coach Tabitha Guevara saw Dominic Panaro, Chris Ibarra, and Casey Shaddix all receive yellow cards for fouls.

“At least they were playing aggressive,” explained Coach Guevara.

Though shut out, Coach Guevara praised the offensive efforts of Andrew Allday, Silas Henderson, Austin Greig, Isaiah Phelps and Christian Siever as the Rabbit team made several good runs toward the Mt. Pleasant goal.

Another Atlanta player to mention is Randall Bragg, who filled in for Elijah Abbott at goalie the last three minutes of the match.

Atlanta’s record now stands at 7-11-1 and 1-6 in district.

In the JV game Atlanta had another learning experience, this time to the tune of an 8-0 loss. Coach Guevara praised JV goalie Erick Nunez for “making a ridiculous number of saves.”

Jade Panaro played sweeper, giving Nunez some extra support in goal.

Coach Guevara also praised the entire team for playing aggressively and never giving up.

Next up for the Rabbits were the district front-running Pleasant Grove Hawks.

According to Coach Guevara, the Rabbits will look to play the revenge card to trump the Hawks experience. “They'll be out for blood Friday against Pleasant Grove,” said Guevara, “and ready to avenge their 5-1 district loss.”

Previously Atlanta fell to PG at the Hawks pitch on Feb. 24.

Atlanta hosted Pleasant Grove on Friday, March 16.

The Rabbit soccer team will play at home Tuesday, March 20, against Pittsburg for Senior Night. The JV game is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm., and the varsity contest at 7 at Rabbit Stadium.

The Atlanta soccer team will honor their two seniors, Austin Greig and Erick Nunez, for their hard work on the pitch and in promoting the soccer program.