Golden Valley boys silence Porterville
| Saturday, Feb 28 2009 02:17 AM
Last Updated Friday, Mar 27 2009 01:02 PM
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The Golden Valley High School Bulldogs celebrate Julio Cruz's one and only goal of the game Friday against Porterville.
Golden Valley didn't have to watch another team celebrating the Central Section Division III title this time.
Julio Cruz scored early in the second half Friday to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 victory over Porterville, and their second section title in three seasons.
This season the Bulldogs gathered in a tight circle near midfield and jumped up and down as their fans and last year's seniors cheered wildly.
Last season Golden Valley High School, which was also a No. 1 seed, dominated the final only to be upset by Fresno-Roosevelt, and had to witness as the visitors took the spoils.
"We're all a family," Golden Valley Coach Troy Lynch said. "Even the guys who graduate still come back during the week and practice with us. The seniors actually had a talk with the players after practice and told them they should win for themselves and their families."
After a scoreless first half, the game's only goal was scored by sophomore Cruz in the 51st minute.
"I saw the defense push up so the coach kept telling me to keep going forward, go forward, go forward," a Cruz said, "and when the defense stepped up they left me with one man, and that is when I am most dangerous. He left me alone and I cut in and I shot it and the defender barely nipped it and the shot changed direction and it went in."
"Last year I was a freshman, and it hurt so bad seeing the seniors cry," Cruz said, "and the seniors who cried last season are here right now supporting us and we couldn't give them a loss."
Lynch was full of praises for his team, especially his defense.
"It feels good; these guys have been working hard all year and they deserve it," Lynch said.
"They played against the best teams around and our defense has been strong all year.
"That's 20 shutouts this year. They did an outstanding job for us at the back."
The Golden Valley defense kept leading Porterville scorer Santiago Muchuca, who has scored 33 goals this season, quiet. Muchuca rarely touched the ball and when he did he was marked tightly by a Golden Valley defender.
