Denair High hosted Delhi in a high-scoring affair Friday in the Southern Athletic League foes first match of the season.
The Hawks of Delhi notched a pair of goals in the first half, along with four in the second half, and the defense stymied all but one goal for the Coyotes as Delhi snapped a two-game losing streak with a 6-1 win.
“I never take these guys lightly because they always give us a hard time,” said Delhi head coach Armando Salazar.
“Eight of them are new to soccer, not just freshmen, but never played before and three of them are starters, but look at them, they hustle and play great,” said Denair head coach Greg Gaudio.
Despite the lopsided score, Denair had their opportunities, most notably in the first half when they missed an opportunity to score on a penalty kick with just seconds remaining until the halftime whistle blew.
Ruben Grimaldo of Delhi scored the first goal of the game with 14 minutes remaining until halftime.
About nine minutes later, Roman Corona made his first of two goals, after he struck the back of the net from about 18 yards out.
Soon as the second half began, Delhi began to control the game, along with possession time.
They continued to press and hold the ball on Denair’s attacking third.
It took just 10 minutes for Delhi to add their third goal when Alexis Aguilar found the back of the net, then just two minutes after, Roberto Calderon scored to make it 4-0 off a Grimaldo assist.
“We did the passing, controlled the ball and as soon as we play like that we will be okay,” said Salazar about his team.
Oscar Garcia of Denair scored the lone goal for the Coyotes just 15 minutes after the Hawks notched their fourth goal.
Just two minutes later, Delhi built on their already lopsided lead when Corona found the back of the net for his second goal.
Calderon scored his second of the game and the sixth for his team with just three minutes left in the game. Grimaldo also went down in the final minute but walked off with help.
Delhi is now 3-4-2 overall and 3-1 in the SAL.
Denair has now lost four straight as their overall record goes to 5-5-3 and 2-3 in the Southern League.
Denair will next take on Gustine at home at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Delhi will take on Waterford at home at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
