Rocklin High School boys soccer team headed into last week’s game against Lodi after an emotionally-draining victory against Whitney. It showed early on as the Thunder trailed 2-1 just 18 minutes into the match.

“You typically don’t see that type of score in the first 18 minutes,” said Rocklin head coach Grant DePue, “Our energy was low, but the good thing about the team is our commonality and our team chemistry.”

From that point on, Rocklin tightened its defense and slowed the visiting Flames. Bryce Trueman went hard for the ball and Alex Walsh started yelling encouragement.

“I love playing high school sports,” said senior Walsh. “The feeling I have is pride, and with that pride I played hard for my school with my heart on my sleeve.”

After Kaleb Branderhorst missed a corner-kick, the Thunder drove deep into Flames’ territory. In the 57th minute, Walsh connected with Trueman, who tied the game at 2-2.

“I play and scrimmage with Bryce a lot,” said Walsh, who is also a teammate of Trueman’s playing for Placer United. “We always seem to be on the same page and have the same combinations.”

The Thunder’s physicality carried into the second half, as they continued to pressure the Flames on defense. After moving the ball out to midfield, the two clubs battled to a stalemate.

The Flames did mount an attack, but it was turned back on a save by Trevor Wildberger.

At minute 70, Walsh took an inbounds kick and drove in for a score and the victory.

“It was a tough victory,” said DePue. “Most of these guys are seniors and played pretty much every minute in every game last year as juniors. We might be 10 pounds lighter than the next opponent, but we’re a scrappy group.”

Walsh had two goals and an assist to help improve the Thunder’s record to 3-1-1.

WHITNEY

The Whitney High School boys soccer team shook off the aftereffects of a 2-0 loss to cross-town rival Rocklin to defeat Placer by the same score last week.

Joseph Silas and Jacob Scott did the scoring. Gabe Arreola was credited with an assist in the contest.

Goalkeeper Kyle Creighton had four saves in the match, Alex Muir had one.

Whitney freshman Clayton Sato scored in the first period to give Woodcreek (9-1-1) cause for concern Sept. 11, before the Timberwolves rallied for a 2-1 victory. Sato’s score came off an assist from Peter Kim.

Muir had eight saves in the match and Creighton six.
Sources: http://www.placerherald.com/article/rocklin-soccer-rallies-3-2-win-over-lodi