Edgar Melik-Stepanyan
GLENDALE SPORTS COMPLEX -- After eight matches in its young season the
Flintridge Prep boys' soccer team is still looking for its first victory.
Following Thursday's nonleague match against Maranatha High the Rebels
will have to wait a little longer.
The Rebels remained winless with a 1-0 loss to the Minutemen at the
Glendale Sports Complex.
"We played against a very well defensive team," said Flintridge Prep
assistant coach Rob Hamlyn, whose squad dropped to 0-5-3. "We need to get
over our psychological barrier of winning a game. Our intensity and
commitment was probably the best performance so far."
Rebel Coach Steve Oderkirk was unavailable at the match due to
personal reasons.
Flintridge Prep will face Oakwood High at 3:00 p.m. today at the
Glendale Sports Complex.
The Minutemen's goal came in the 33rd minute on a defensive miscue by
the Rebels.
Flintridge Prep senior stopper Mike Nijjar attempted a backward pass
to teammate Steven Westervelt, but Maranatha defender Garrett Noonan
stole the ball and broke away from Westervelt firing a shot past
Flintridge Prep goalkeeper Ben Watt from 20 yards.
"They stepped up when we had to," said Maranatha Coach Marcos
Pachalian, whose team improved to 2-4. "They were composured enough to
hold them. If we keep playing like this I think we could be CIF
champions."
Maranatha defeated the Rebels on Dec. 1, 2-1, for its only other
victory.
The Rebels missed a great opportunity in the 74th minute to tie the
match. Off a corner kick, Maranatha goalkeeper Scott Grover fell down
when he was hit by a Rebel defender. Flintridge Prep forward Sean Pramov
had a clear shot at the goal but Minutemen midfielder Justin Haws kicked
the ball away just before it crossed the line.
