Eric Keshishian sparks Crescenta Valley soccer to win, first place
LA CRESCENTA — Eric Keshishian and Erick Trejo appear to be meshing at the right time while also forming a worthy 1-2 punch for the Crescenta Valley High boys’ soccer team.
The duo provided a couple of examples Monday for Crescenta Valley during a Pacific League home match against Hoover.
Trejo assisted on two goals by Keshishian to help spark Crescenta Valley to a 3-1 victory and put the Falcons atop league nearing the midway point.
“We are so familiar with each other and we have that connection,” said Keshishian, who scored both of his goals in the first 13 minutes to help the Falcons jump out to a 2-0 advantage. “He knows where I like to be, and I know where he likes to pass the ball.
“Erick gave me two excellent passes and I was fortunate to get the goals. Getting those two goals early really boosted our confidence.”
Crescenta Valley, ranked No. 2 in the latest CIF Southern Section Division III poll behind El Rancho, improved to 13-1-4, 4-0-1 in league for 13 points. With the victory, the Falcons, coupled with Pasadena’s 4-3 league loss to Arcadia on Monday, own a one-point lead in league over Pasadena (4-1 in league). Crescenta Valley, which has won three league titles in a row, and Pasadena meet at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Crescenta Valley.
The Falcons, who captured the Division IV championship last season, didn’t take long getting started against the Tornadoes (2-5-1, 1-4 for three points).
Trejo broke down the right side and made a perfect pass to Keshishian, who beat Hoover starting goalkeeper Duren Bedrousian in the first minute.
In the 13th minute, Trejo made a similar pass to Keshishian to make it 2-0.
“Erick has picked up his play and taken it to another level,” Crescenta Valley Coach Grant Clark said. “Because of that, he’s accumulated a lot of assists.
“He has seen Eric make some nice runs and Erick knows where to find him. They feed off each other.”
Crescenta Valley extended the lead to 3-0 when Joseph Yoo headed in a cross from Justin Wright in the 37th minute.
Hoover avoided being shutout when Argin Haghoubian scored on a direct kick that deflected off the finger tips of Crescenta Valley goalkeeper Josh Cook with three minutes left in the match.
Hoover Coach Kevin Cadenas said the Tornadoes struggled during the early stage of the match.
“I thought we were flat in the first half,” Cadenas said. “Against a good team like that, you can’t be flat.
“It’s hard when you give up a goal early, especially around the first minute. It just makes it that much more tougher. I liked the way we played in the second half and we have to find a way to carry that over.”
Cadenas opted to play reserve goalkeeper Alonso Maturino in the second half. Making his first appearance in goal, Maturino finished with eight saves.
Cook registered 10 saves, including six in the second half.
Crescenta Valley and Hoover will meet again at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Toll Middle School.
