September 19, 2006 > Pumas opens season with a pair of wins

by David W. Morgan

The Newark Pumas, Under-14 Boys Division I soccer team, won their home opener in the Golden State Soccer League on Saturday, Sept. 9, defeating the LaMorinda FC 92 team, 4-2.  Pumas struck first with a goal from Hector Romero assisted by Shawn Zavala.  LaMorinda then equalized 10 minutes later.  Pumas continued their scoring in the first half with two more goals on shots from Romero and Jordan Munoz.  In the second half, Juan Perez scored the fourth goal for the Pumas in the 55th minute.  LaMorinda completed the scoring with their second goal coming in stoppage time on a penalty kick (PK). Goalie Roberto Padilla of the Pumas made 7 saves on 11 shots.

The next day, Pumas beat Walnut Creek Cosmos in Newark, 3-2, with the winning goal coming in stoppage time.  Pumas came out fast and scored within the first two minutes of the game.  The goal from Munoz came on a shot started by a deflection off of the Cosmos' goal keeper. The Cosmos tied it up later in the half as their first goal was scored on a free kick from about 20 yards out.

In the second half, Pumas again took the lead in the 47th minute on a goal from Romero and assist by Michael Mahabali.  Once again, the Cosmos equalized, with the goal coming in the 65th minute on a penalty kick.  Finally, as the game moved into stoppage time, Pumas put the match away as Romero scored his second goal of the game.