Place third at District

Mustangs face Vashon Island in state round of 16

Bridgeport’s Alexis Valdovinos (9) goes head-to-head with a Chelan opponent.

Christian Aguilar, left, races ahead of his Chelan opponent.

Diego Martinez sets the ball up for a pass.

Paul Torres, right, beats his Chelan opponent to the ball.

Bridgeport’s Ramiro Espino (11) seems to be carrying a Cashmere player on his back during home District action.

Yair Diaz (24) scores against Medical Lake in Bridgeport’s 5-1 crossover win that sent the Mustangs to the state playoffs.

Yair Diaz (24) left scores one of his two goals against Chelan last Thursday.

Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2019 3:59 pm

Mike Maltais, Staff writer

WENATCHEE – The Bridgeport Mustangs varsity boys soccer team added a third-place District trophy to its Central Washington 2B League championship in playoff action at the Apple Bowl on Tuesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 9. Then Bridgeport defeated a crossover rival to qualify for a spot in the WIAA 1A State playoffs at Sumner starting this week.

Bridgeport is scheduled to meet Vashon Island at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 in the opening round of 16 teams in loser-out competition.

At the CTL/CWB District 1A playoffs the CWB champs lost to eventual District champion Cashmere, 2-1 in their opening match on Tuesday, May 7, that dropped Bridgeport into the consolation round against Chelan. The Mustangs routed the Goats, 4-0, for third place and a crossover qualifier match to state competition.

“Yair Diaz scored with an assist from Christian Aguilar during the first half,” said team spokesman Chris Gonzalez. “During the second half…the Mustangs scored a goal by Alexi Valdovinos, another goal by Ramiro Espino with an assist from Valdovinos and a goal from Diaz with an assist from Paul Torres.”

Edgar Meza covered the goal for Bridgeport.

The Mustangs met their next challenge, a CTL/NEA 1A Crossover match against Medical Lake with the determination of a team hungry for a shot at all the marbles. Bridgeport hosted Medical Lake last Saturday, May 11, Bridgeport hammered the Northeast District’s Cardinals, 5-1.

“Ozzy Orozco scored first for the Mustangs, followed by goals from Omar Ibarra (Orozco assist), another goal from Orozco, and a goal from Yair Diaz (Orozco assist) during the first half of the game,” said Gonzalez.

Christian Aguilar opened the second half scoring off an assist from Ramiro Espino to put Bridgeport up, 5-0. Goalkeeper Meza allowed only one goal by Medical Lake that avoided a Cardinals’ shutout.

Carlos Ruiz guarded the goal in the first half.

“He made a great save off a free kick to goal,” said Gonzalez. “The defense played well and only allowed a few shots on goal throughout the game.”

If the Mustangs win their opening round, they will face the winner of Cashmere v. Connell.