Boys’ soccer: Bell will try and regroup for playoffs

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Bell may have lost more than a soccer match with Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to visiting South East in Eastern League play.

Coach Daniel Gallardo said the Eagles (14-3-3, 6-2-1) probably bid adieu to the league championship and one of the top two seeds in the upcoming City playoffs.

‘We have to forget about that stuff now,’ Gallardo said.’There’s nothing we can do about it. We have to think about the big picture.’

Gallardo is pessimistic because the Eagles are currently down a couple of defenders, including starter Omar Vargas, because of injuries. On Friday, Bell hosted Jordan, playing its third straight game this week to make up for games that were recently rained out. They also play Monday, hosting Garfield.

Gallardo said he is more concerned about his team surviving this four-game stretch and being healthy for the playoffs rather than pushing for the Eastern League title. Just as important, he hopes the loss to South East will jolt Bell into playing harder.

‘We have to remember a lot of teams will play us like it’s a championship game,’ Gallardo said. ‘That’s what South East did. Hopefully this was a wake-up call.’

-- Mike Terry