The Grays Harbor Gulls earned their first victory of the 2019 WWPL season by hanging on for a 2-1 win against BeSea FC of Bellevue on Sunday at Stewart Field.
The Gulls got off to a fast start, with Juanito Lopez coming close to opening the scoring in the 5th minute. The Gulls dominated possession and chances throughout the opening 45 minutes. They were rewarded with goals in the 20th and 21st minutes.
The first goal was scored by Tony Oropeza. Off a punt from the BeSea keeper, centerback Alan Carloza chested the ball to Alex Pugadelarosa. Carloza continued his run forward and Pugadelarosa played him in on a through ball. Carloza played the ball across the box on the ground to Tony Oropeza who finished inside the far post.
The second goal was just a minute later when Jacob Irwin played in Juanito Lopez, who dribbled past a defender and scored a close shot inside the near left post. The closest BeSea came was a freekick going just over from 25 yards.
In the second half, BeSea played a counterattacking style that worked well against the Gulls, as Grays Harbor pushed for more goals. BeSea scored midway through the half when a through ball split the two Gulls centerbacks and found an attacker, who beat keeper Alexis Garcia one on one.
The Gulls continued to push offensively, and headed chances from Izzy Fernandez and Jacob Irwin came close to adding to their two goals. Alan Carloza headed away several BeSea freekicks and corner kicks to help secure the win. With his assist and fine defensive work, Carloza was named the Gulls man of the match.
The Gulls next match is Saturday, May 11 at Harbor Force of Gig Harbor.