RABBITTOWN — The Chestatee boys soccer team held firm in a hard-fought, cross-town rivalry on Tuesday, blanking East Hall 2-0 in Rabbittown.
The War Eagles struck twice in the second half to balance a stout defensive effort led by center backs Jeyson Garcia and Carlos Duarte, who allowed just seven shots all evening, forcing several wide of the target.
Chestatee goalkeeper Steven Hernandez earned his third clean sheet of the season with three saves on the night.
After resisting East Hall's first half offensive pressure, the War Eagles (3-0) replied in the second half, taking advantage of a yellow card caution in the Vikings defense to move in front.
Running on to a through ball, Chestatee's Uriel Rocha broke through for a one-on-one with the East Hall goalkeeper and slid the ball low and into the net with 28 minutes remaining. Fifteen minutes later Chestatee made it 2-0 on another Rocha attack.
This time East Hall defender Giezi Barrientos brought Rocha down inside the East Hall penalty area to award Chestatee a spot kick -- which Rocha duly dispatched into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead the War Eagles would not relinquish.
Chestatee's next match is 7:30 p.m. Friday as it hosts Cartersville.
GAINESVILLE BOYS 3,
OCONEE COUNTY 2
The second-ranked Red Elephants (2-0) took a 2-0 lead and then scored again to break a 2-2 draw in the second half of Tuesday's victory in Watkinsville.
Edwin Garcia scored on an assist from Armando Hernandez, while Armando Hernandez made it 2-0 on an assist from Jose Rodriguez. Darvin Velasquez sealed the win with a goal off an assist from Erick Serrato.
Gainesville will play host to Dawson County on Friday.
NORTH HALL GIRLS 7,
EAST JACKSON 0
The Lady Trojans improved to 2-1 after taking a lopsided victory on Tuesday night in Commerce.
Lauren Tymchuk, Hailey Nobles, and Myra Zimmerman had two goals apiece to lead North Hall. Maddie Cook added one goal for the Lady Trojans.
Kadie Sullens and Gabbie Lowder combined for the shutout in goal.
North Hall next will travel to Jefferson on Friday.
JOHNSON BOYS 3,
MOUNTAIN VIEW 2
The Knights (3-0) fended off the Bears on Tuesday in Oakwood.
Michael Arcia bagged a goal for Johnson off an assist from Cristian Maldonado, while Anthony Fleshman scored off an assist from Joshua Elizalde. Marco Vazquez also scored unassisted.
Cooper Bowen recorded three saves in goal for the win.
Johnson travels to Eastside on Thursday.
OCONEE COUNTY GIRLS 3,
GAINESVILLE 2
Amayia Lukie and Kate Bush each scored for the Lady Red Elephants in a hardfought loss on Tuesday.
Lukie scored in the first half, Bush netted a penalty kick in the second half.
Gainesville's Marlyn Blanco saved nine shots in goal, while Bush also played well in defense.
The Lady Red Elephants play again on Feb. 20 at Jackson County.
