Soccer Lions win home opener, 3-1
January 14, 2009

By DAVID CLAYBOURN
Herald-Banner Staff

GREENVILLE -- Prosper gave Greenville an early wake-up call before the Lions settled down to claim their 2009 home opener, 3-1.

Prosper, a Class 3A team in only its third season of soccer, surprised the 4A Lions by scoring in the first 47 seconds with Cole West’s header off a corner kick.

The Lions regrouped to score once in the first half and twice in the second half to up their season record to 3-1.

“Other than the first three minutes of the game we played pretty well,” said Lions coach Jeff Crank.

Crank said the Lions “were sleeping” when they gave up the quick goal but after that “dominated.”

“We should have easily been five or six goals,” he said. “Chris Mobley could have scored a hat trick.”

Jonathan Arelleno tied the game for Greenville with 31:03 left in the first half when the took a pass from Dagin Douglas and booted the ball into the left corner of the net from about 18 yards.

Prosper’s goalkeeper Rudy Mora turned back several promising scoring attempts by Mobley as the teams stay tied at 1-1 through the first half.

Mobley broke through to score early in the second half (38:16 remaining) when he chipped a shot over Mora into the right corner of the net after receiving Ramon Alvarez’s pass.

The Lions nearly made it 3-1 moments later when Mobley set up Arellano with a cross but Mora made another big save.

Ryan Wilhelm of Greenville also headed in a shot with about 24 minutes remaining but the goal was disallowed because of an offsides call.

Alvaro Carillo sealed the victory for the Lions with 9:23 remaining when he headed in Arellano’s corner kick.

Greenville wound up with 14 shots on goal.

Lion goalkeeper Matt Mouer wasn’t challenged much, finishing with one save.

Crank credited the play of Prosper’s goalkeeper, Moran, and center midfielder Michael Hinds.

He said the Eagles will definitely get better in the future.

The Lions return to action at home on Friday night against Frisco.

Prosper claimed the junior varsity match, 2-0.