Grant Wins With Wind at Its Back

Kicking into a strong wind during the first half Wednesday hampered Grant High’s Edgar Virgill. But with the match against Birmingham scoreless at halftime, Virgill figured the second half would be clear sailing--the wind would be at Grant’s back.

Sure enough, Virgill had one goal and an assist in the second half as Grant stormed to a 2-0 win in the East Valley League match.

“There was a little help (from the wind), but it was a good shot,” Virgill said in reference to his fourth goal of the season, scored with 38 minutes left in the match. “As I moved in, I was watching where the goalie was. I use my head when I shoot, I don’t shoot just to shoot.”

Virgill, a senior midfielder, launched his shot from about 35 yards past the arms of Birmingham goalie Andy Sherman and into the top-left corner of the net.

“(The wind) was a factor, but Virgill is a great player and he put in a great shot,” said Sherman, who made 16 stops. “It had more of an effect on the punts I made out of the net, holding them up in the air.”

While the Lancers (11-0-2 overall, 6-0 in league play) exploded with the wind behind them, Birmingham (8-2-2, 5-1) was unable to score with the advantage in the first half.

“We played good defense again today,” said Grant goalie William Sibrian, who made 11 saves.

Birmingham double-teamed junior forward Carlos Lemus, Grant’s leading scorer, most of the game. Yet with 10 minutes to play a streaking Lemus received a pass from Virgill and scored his 20th goal.