South Tahoe High is growing weary of one-goal defeats.
The Vikings dropped their third consecutive Sierra League boys' soccer match by a goal on Saturday as the Douglas Tigers made a second-half score stand up for a 1-0 victory in South Lake Tahoe.
The game's only goal came off Edgar Arceo's head. Cole Cline set up the game-winning header.
"It's a little frustrating being right there, dominating the game and then not being able to finish it," said STHS senior defender Tanner Braun. "But we just have to keep pushing forward. We're getting to the point of the season where we need points, and we need wins, so we have to stay positive and keep looking forward."
STHS coach Chris DeLeon is hoping his team will learn from the tough defeats.
"The question is can we grow from it?" DeLeon said. "We definitely grew from it from Fallon, the last game, and they played really well against a really good Douglas team."
Both teams produced outstanding chances to put additional points on the board. The Vikings' Fernando Gomez and Cody Williams each misfired from close range in the second half.
"The opportunities were there, and the kids are playing good," DeLeon said. "We saw phenomenal things of opening the field and passing, but it all comes down to who scores. And we did not have the ability to score."
Douglas keeper Ivan Gonzalez also delivered several key saves to preserve the Tigers' third league victory.
"I'm just glad I am able to play with this team," said Gonzalez, a senior. "After all of the teams I've played with, this team is showing a lot of heart.
"I just wish we could have a little more touches and talk a little bit more."
On one save Gonzalez made a diving stop to his right on a Gomez shot.
"That was a little bit scary for me because I actually thought he was gonna go far post, but he switched up on me," said Gonzalez, who constantly keeps his defense aware of game situations.
"My dad always told me to be vocal with my defense, and I thank my dad for most of my goalie training and my skills."
Douglas raised its league mark to 3-1-1, while STHS slipped to 1-4.
