Casa Grande boys beat Drake in first-round NCS game

The Casa Grande boys soccer team defeated visiting Sir Francis Drake High School, 2-1, Wednesday night in the first round of the North Coast Section Division I playoffs.

Drake scored first off a deflection by the Casa goalkeeper.

Casa settled its play, and found the net in the 30th minute of the first half on a well-played cross by Max Chappell to Noe Michel, who hit a header into the back of the net.

Casa Grande found its groove and dominated play in the second half. The Gauchos’ second goal came from a cross into the box. Drake's goalkeeper deflected the ball, and Michel, following the shot, was able to finish.

Defensively, Casa Grande dominated the last half, with strong play from Tyler Scanlan, Matthew Redeker, John Greene, and Edguardo Rodriguez.

As it has been all season, the Casa midfield was phenomenal, ,shutting down Drake's advances. Carlos Mejia and Diego Jaramillo were key factors in Casa's success.

Chappell was a force to be reckoned, as a constant pressure on Drake's defense. Erik Cruz's aggressive play and speed on the ball in the second half gave Casa the added attack for success.

Wingers Tommy Murphy and Alex Tarantino gave Casa continued outside opportunities.

Goalkeeper Adam Thomason was pressured early on, but showed his mettle by containing Drake's first-half advantage, and keeping it scoreless in the second half.

Casa Grande now faces Windsor High at Windsor at 7 p.m. Saturday.