Burroughs, Glendale boys’ soccer settle for tie
GLENDALE — For the second time this season, the Glendale High and Burroughs boys’ soccer teams played in a close match.
While the Nitros and Indians traded golden scoring opportunities throughout their Pacific League match Friday at Glendale, both teams demonstrated why they are well-balanced and inched closer to qualifying for the postseason.
Glendale received a second-half goal from Benito Fausto to earn a 1-1 tie against Burroughs at windy Moyse Field.
“These were two good teams going at it today,” said Fausto, a senior who scored off a corner kick by Avo Haroutunyan in the 55th minute. “Both teams had a lot of good chances and we had to stay with it after we got behind [in the first half].”
Burroughs, which shares the lead in league with Pasadena after winning the league title last season, is 11-2-5, 7-0-2 (23 points) in league. Glendale, which suffered a 1-0 road defeat against Burroughs on Jan. 10, is 10-6-3, 4-3-2 (14 league points).
Burroughs, ranked fourth in the latest CIF Southern Section Division III poll, nearly won in the waning seconds. A shot by junior midfielder Davis Campos was stopped near the goalline by Glendale senior midfielder Narbeh Shabani.
“It was a back-and-forth game,” said Burroughs sophomore midfielder Marcos Arana, who gave the Indians a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute off a nice cross from senior defender Jesus Nunez. “We tried to win it there in the end and nearly pulled it off.
“It was a good game. Both teams had a lot of chances.”
Burroughs had the first solid scoring chance when a shot by senior midfielder Nolberto Alcantar went wide off the rebound off a save by Glendale junior goalkeeper Ervin Vartoomian (nine saves).
Burroughs senior goalkeeper Alberto Meir was equal to the task, making a diving save on a shot by senior midfielder Ferni Martinez in the 10th minute. Meir finished with six saves.
Burroughs Coach Mike Kodama, the reigning All-Area Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year after piloting the Indians to a trip to the quarterfinals last season, said the Indians pressed hard to solve the Nitros in the closing minutes of the 80-minute match.
“We had that last chance and their guy made a great play at the line to keep it tied,” Kodama said. “I thought we played well at times. Both teams played well.”
Glendale second-year Coach Artur Aghasyan said the Nitros picked up a valuable point after falling to Crescenta Valley, 3-2, at home Tuesday.
“I thought we were more focused throughout,” Aghasyan said. “I’m happy with getting the point and the way we hung in there because Burroughs has got a real good team.
“This is something we can built off for our next game.”
Glendale and Burroughs will participate in league games Monday. Glendale will compete at Pasadena at 3:30 p.m. and Burroughs will play host to Crescenta Valley at 5.