12/14 Esperanza Vs. Northwood

The Aztecs hosted Northwood from Irvine in a match that was fought with intensity from both teams throughout the game.  The 1^st period was an even exchange with both teams moving the ball and taking shots. Twenty minutes into the period the Aztecs nearly scored on a strong header from Jeff Price. Five minutes later a Northwood forward received a pass at the top of the box and just missed on a strong strike to the goal.  Minutes later Michael Doyen fought his way into the box and nearly scored from a pass from Michael Hodis. The Aztecs kept the pressure on and just missed on two corner kicks from Borst and Eddie Arellano. Cory Wolfrom was a consistent force controlling the midfield keeping the Aztecs in scoring positions. The period ended 0-0.                                                                                                           

The 2^nd period seemed to favor the Aztecs with aggressive play at both ends of the field. Defensive standouts, Roberto Diaz, Carter Warwick, TJ Thelen and Jerrod Stith deflected passes into the defensive end and sent balls back to Borst and Wolfram in the midfield. At 22 minutes into the period Borst took a hard shot 20 yards out from the left side nearly scoring. At 6 minutes remaining Northwood penetrated the Aztec defense and a forward took the ball one on one to the goal and came up short as Jerrod Stith came away with a spectacular stop on an almost sure goal.  With 3 minutes remaining Northwood took a corner kick and it bounced back in front of the net to an awaiting player who took a shot and scored. With 2 minutes remaining the Aztecs kept aggressive and Cory Wolfram nearly scored but time ran out and the game ended with Northwood on top 1-0.