Berkmar Boys Soccer Beats Grayson 3-0; Stays Unbeaten in Region

Berkmar dominated possession Friday night in a 3-0 win over visiting Grayson.

The fourth-ranked Patriots 11-1-1 overall, 6-0 in Region 8-AAAAA.

The first half was a tightly defended contest between the two teams. Berkmar created chances but was unable to get past Grayson’s goalkeeper Callen Rhodes. Berkmar’s defense was strongly anchored by Kwadwo Twumasi.

Throughout the game, Berkmar’s Christian Chirinos and Luis Salmeron held possession and provided accurate passes to their fellow teammates.

The first half was about to end 0-0, but a perfectly timed pass with 30 seconds left changed the game.

Martin Lugo provided a beautiful cross from the right side of the box to an open Oscar Lievano. Lievano had just been subbed in two minutes earlier. He brought down the ball with his chest to his right foot and took his time to pressure the goalie to come out. Lievano went straight for the goal and scored in the bottom right netting.

The first half ended with Berkmar up 1-0.

Grayson started the second half with a chance at goal. One minute into the half Adam Kremo took a free kick that flew over the wall and into the hands of the Berkmar keeper. Keeper Jonathon Caballero leapt up to grab the ball but it slipped between his gloves and legs as he fell down. Grayson and Berkmar players converged on the ball on the goal line but Caballero managed to grab on as a Grayson player impeded his way and the referee called a foul.

It could have been a turning point for Grayson, and Berkmar knew it. The players felt the threat and started pushing harder to ensure the win.

Ten minutes later, off a throw-in pass with his back turned to the goal, Berkmar's Ernesto Cardenas flipped the ball over his head to Rene Acosta, who calmly netted the ball between the right post and goalie.

Berkmar was now up 2-0 in part to Cardenas' assist.

With four minutes to go, Cardenas added to the scoreboard with an impressive show of speed and power.

Cardenas received the ball 40 yards out on the left hand side of the field and beat two defenders with his pace and length. Grayson’s Rhodes was left one-on-one with Cardenas as he shot. Rhodes dove to his left but was unable to stop the powerful shot by Cardenas.

Berkmar went up with a comfortable 3-0 lead to seal the victory.

“It’s starting to feel natural to score,” commented Cardenas after the game.

The games intensity and fouls never let up as Grayson's Mitchell Tiah received a red with 3 minutes to go in the game.

“It feels great to win again, especially after beating Brookwood and Parkview.” continued Cardenas, “Those games were a great experience and we feel we are making history. Just look at the record books, there is nothing on Berkmar, and we are making Berkmar soccer history for the first time ever.”

It is a new era in Berkmar soccer as the Patriots remain undefeated in Region 8-AAAAA play. Things are looking good for a team that will qualify for state playoffs for the first time in a long time.

Berkmar plays at home against South Gwinnett next Tuesday.