Ottawa Boys Soccer Rallies for Urgent 3-1 Win Over Morris

UPDATE: The Ottawa boys soccer team secured a crucial 3-1 victory against Morris on July 15, 2023, bouncing back from a recent shutout loss. This win marks their second Interstate 8 Conference victory of the season, elevating their record to 9-5 overall and 2-3 in the conference.

The match took place at Morris, where both teams delivered a strong defensive performance in the first half, ending in a 1-1 tie. However, Ottawa’s offense surged in the second half, demonstrating resilience and skill. Morris struck first when junior striker Grant Sparrow scored with 23:23 left in the first half. Morris nearly doubled their lead, but a shot from junior forward August Valdivia hit the goal post, allowing Ottawa to regroup.

Ottawa equalized just moments later, with senior midfielder Manuel Saucedo-Garcia netting the goal with 15:31 remaining in the half. Morris faced further challenges, losing players to injuries as Sparrow briefly exited after a fall, and senior Giovanni Archer left the game due to a collision.

In the second half, Ottawa’s senior striker Jorge Lopez emerged as a key player, scoring and assisting, leading the Pirates to a decisive win. Lopez’s header, assisted by sophomore midfielder Rory Moore, put Ottawa ahead 2-1 at the 36:18 mark. Despite receiving a yellow card for an earlier offsides infraction, Lopez showcased his scoring prowess, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Lopez expressed his confidence in the team’s performance, stating, “We’re finding each other, we’re communicating a lot and we’re finding the gaps.” He emphasized the importance of spatial awareness in his scoring ability, saying, “You always got to find the space, use your mind and see where the ball is going.”

Ottawa’s head coach Kevin Olessen praised the team’s offensive strategy, noting, “The guys are doing a better job of moving the ball. It felt like today, in the heat, we were able to keep our composure.” He indicated an ongoing need for improvement, especially in finishing opportunities. “We’re getting a lot of good opportunities and coming up short,” he said, expressing encouragement for the team’s progress.

On the other side, Morris coach David Valdivia acknowledged Ottawa’s strong second-half performance, stating they executed their game plan effectively.

This victory not only boosts Ottawa’s standings but also provides momentum as they continue their conference campaign. As they move forward, the Pirates aim to build on this success and refine their finishing skills, with the potential for further improvement as the season progresses.