Will Scott is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Central for AZPreps365.com

Maryvale defeated Central 4-0 in the opening round of the PXU boys soccer tournament on Monday behind a hat-trick from Maryvale winger Paskal Asukulo. 

The Bobcats struggled to handle his speed and dribbling all game, something that his coach Abel Hoyos picked him for. 

“I had another two starters who were unable to play because they were hurt,” Hoyos said. “So I ended up having to improvise, so I was like you know what guys you go do the first half and I want you to keep your speed and endurance till the end.”

Asukulo first struck in the 15th minute, finishing a cut-back from Daniel Burgos. 

He then capitalized on tiring legs to score twice in the final five minutes, scoring after a mishit clearance in the 75th minute, and in the 79th minute after the goalkeeper misjudged a cross from Isaac Vazquez and spilt the ball in the penalty box. 

The fourth goal was scored by Cesar Gil Cordova in the 32nd minute after a shot from Angel Galvan was parried by the goalkeeper into his path. 

Central had plenty of opportunities as well, but they were not as clinical as the more ruthless Maryvale side. They controlled possession, but were unable to convert it into clear-cut chances. 

Ismail Foza was a constant threat carrying the ball from midfield for Central, and he had six shots in total. 

His best chance came in the 63rd minute, when he received a pass from midfield and escaped several defenders before being blocked by an excellent tackle from Sierra Edgar. 

Maryvale noticed Foza’s performance at halftime, and made adjustments to try to neutralize him.

“Eventually they were marking him with three players, so he wasn’t getting the ball,” Central coach Richard Williams said. “If he got the ball they weren’t gonna let him shoot a good shot.”

Central had a few other good chances, mostly orchestrated by deep lying midfielder Balter Alfredo, but the common theme for Central was poor execution caused by a lack of cohesion. 

“I think it’s just a matter of us not being a team yet, that’s all,” Williams said. “That’s what I saw. It’s a lot of individuals trying to play individual soccer.”

Central had no offseason and a shortened preseason, so the game was just as much about experimenting with different players as it was about trying to win the game. 

The lack of training showed, with the Bobcats simply not being on the same page at times. 

“I wanted them to put pressure like I was putting pressure,” Foza said. “I put pressure on the ball, I want them to put pressure like I put pressure. I can’t put pressure by myself. I need everybody to be on the same page. That’s why I was frustrated.” 

Central’s problems were also compounded by a number of absences. Williams had to call up freshmen to fill out the squad, and the gap in physicality was noticeable. 

“We have six freshmen that moved up because we had players that couldn’t play,” Williams said. “For those six freshmen this is the big leagues. This isn’t JV, this isn’t where you can feel like that kid is the same size as you…they were waiting on the ball and then when the big kid came up to them that’s where they looked scared.”

There were some encouraging signs for Williams. Some players he had not gotten to see previously impressed him, especially Bryan Pulido Hernandez, who missed several practices playing for another soccer club. 

The fact remains, however, that a lot of work needs to be done.

“Some players understood each other,” said Williams. “It’s just a matter of getting everyone to understand each other.”

Central (0-1) will play Trevor Browne (0-0) at 4 p.m Tuesday.

Maryvale (1-0) will play at North (1-0) at 4 p.m Tuesday.