WARREN, Ark. – In the first 4A East Conference match held in Warren this season, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the Warren Lumberjacks faced off against the Little Rock Mills Comets. The Lumberjacks, entering the game with a solid 2-0 record in the conference and a 3-3 overall standing, aimed to continue their winning streak and maintain their position in the competitive league.
Top photo: Warren right back Adair Gonzalez has been a big part of the Lumberjacks’ stalwart defense over the last three games this season.
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The first half began with a cautious approach from both teams, with a slow-paced opening seven minutes as they settled into the rhythm of the game. Warren’s Daniel Castillo almost put Warren up early on in the 8th minute, nearly finding an opening but was swiftly closed down by the opposition defense. The 9th minute saw a crucial save by Warren’s goalkeeper, Jessie Cortes, denying the Comets an early lead. Cortes continued to impress with another impressive save in the 13th minute, thwarting a powerful shot from the Little Rock Mills attackers.
Warren’s offensive efforts were rewarded in the 18th minute when Aaron Romero capitalized on a well-crafted move down the left wing. A deflected shot by Romero found its way past the Comet’s central defender was pounced on by Romero himself. He poked it past the keeper, putting Warren ahead 1-0. Despite further attempts from both teams, including a near miss from Warren’s Jacarlos Marquiz hitting the crossbar from long range in the 30th minute, the score remained unchanged at halftime with Warren leading 1-0.
The second half saw an increase in intensity from both sides, with Warren’s Marquiz showcasing his skills with a beautiful turn near the edge of the box in the 53rd minute, although his shot sailed over the crossbar. The Warren defense, led by their solid back four, put in a resilient performance, denying the Comets any clear-cut chances.
In the 79th minute, Aaron Romero once again made his presence felt, capitalizing on a rebounded shot and slotting it past the Comets’ keeper to extend Warren’s lead to 2-0. With a strong defensive display, the Lumberjacks secured a well-deserved victory.
The final whistle blew with Warren emerging triumphant with a 2-0 victory over Little Rock Mills. This win propels the Lumberjacks to a 3-0 record in the 4A East Conference and a 4-3 overall standing for the season. Their next challenge awaits as they prepare to host Lonoke on Friday, April 5, in what promises to be another exciting encounter on the soccer pitch.