ST. GEORGE — Last season, Dixie and Pine View both finished just a whisker behind Desert Hills in the race for the Region 9 championship in boys soccer.
The Thunder have struggled early this preseason, but both Dixie and Pine View are off to quick starts as region play is just days away.
Dixie (3-0-2) tied 5A Alta 3-3 Friday afternoon
Alex Green put the Flyers on top early in the game, but then the visiting Hawks scored three unanswered goals in the first half and it looked like the larger school might run away with the win. But Dixie managed the rest of the game well. Green assisted in a Fernando Morales goal just before halftime to make it 3-2 and Francisco Guzman tied the match up midway through the second half on a steal and a breakaway, beating the keeper from about forty yards out.
Dixie has also recorded wins over Park City (2-1), Uintah (2-1) and Maple Mountain (1-0) and a tie vs. Pine View. The Maple Mountain shutout was recorded by Hayden Mathews. Dixie begins region play Tuesday at home vs. Cedar.
Pine View (3-0-1) defeated Maple Mountain 2-1 Friday afternoon
Braden Johnston and Cesar Gutierrez each scored a goal as the Panthers dominated the second half vs. the Golden Eagles.
The Panthers also have wins over Payson (5-0) and Summit Academy (7-0) and a 1-1 tie with Dixie. Pine View plays one more non-league game Saturday vs. Alta Saturday (11 a.m.) and then opens region Tuesday at Desert Hills.
Desert Hills (1-3-0) lost to Fremont 3-0 Friday afternoon
Offense has been the problem for the defending region champs thus far this season as the Thunder have been shut out in three of their four matches.
DH’s lone win came in the season-opener vs. Summit Academy, a 5-0 victory on Feb. 28. Desert Hills hosts West Jordan today at 12:30 p.m. before beginning region at home Tuesday vs. Pine View.
Hurricane (3-0-0) defeated Diamond Ranch 6-0 Friday afternoon
It’s been a good start for the Tigers, who have scored 16 goals in three games, with wins over Juab (8-0), Park City (2-0) and DRA. Ethan Stratton and Noah Elison scored two goals each in the rout over the Diamondbacks and Kaden Jackson got the shutout.
Hurricane hosts 5A Hunter Saturday at 12:30 p.m. before beginning region Tuesday on the road at Canyon View.
Snow Canyon (2-1-1) lost to Box Elder 4-0 Friday afternoon
The Warriors tasted defeat for the first time at the hands of the 4A Bees Friday and will face Skyline at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. SC tied Uintah 0-0 to open the season, then beat Millard (6-0) and Desert Hills (1-0). Tyson Brough already has 1.5 shutouts this year.
Snow Canyon gets some time off after Saturday, beginning region March 18 at Canyon View.
Cedar (2-1-0) lost to Skyline 2-0 Friday afternoon
The Redmen had whipped Beaver (8-0) and Delta (7-0) before Friday’s loss to the Eagles. Cedar plays Fremont at Hurricane High at 8:30 a.m. Saturday before turning to region play next Tuesday at Dixie.
Canyon View (2-1-0)
The Falcons were off Friday, but have won two of three, including wins over Richfield (5-0) and Beaver (6-0) and a 3-2 loss to Delta. CV plays at home vs. Box Elder Saturday at 8 a.m., then begins region play Tuesday at home vs. Hurricane.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @oldschoolag
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.