Burroughs, Burbank Draw No Conclusion

The opportunity was slow in coming, but Jesus Diaz never let up. Covered closely by Burbank High defenders every time the play moved his way, Diaz, a senior midfielder for Burroughs, did his best to control the ball, but was often forced off it by larger opponents.

Then, with seconds to play in the Saturday afternoon match, Diaz got his chance.

Working free in the center of the field, 25 yards from the Burbank goal, the Indians’ top offensive player blasted a shot that soared over the crossbar and into the distance. The Foothill League match ended in a scoreless tie.

Diaz was downcast.

“I was pretty sure it was going in,” Diaz said in Spanish, his answers translated by Burroughs assistant Gino Barragan. “They were marking me real tight but I can score with only a little space.”

Though they weren’t as tantalizing, Burroughs (10-3-4, 3-0-2) had other chances to score. The Indians unleashed 10 shots but forced Burbank goalie Brett Baker to make only five saves.

“If you have scoring chances you have to attack,” said Burroughs Coach Michael Kodama, who watched his players squander opportunities from corner kicks, crosses and throw-ins. “We’re young and when we get a little frustrated we get away from the game plan and start just kicking the ball, not keeping it down. Any time we do that it’s to their strength. We have to keep the ball down.”

In a match in which neither team gave ground, Burbank (4-6-4, 0-2-3) found strength by controlling the areas above it. Considerably taller and slightly more physical, the visiting Bulldogs used defenders Tony Vaca, Christian Larin and Scott Burnett, each over 6 feet tall, to win virtually every airborne ball near the Burbank goal.

Burroughs and Burbank, who tied 1-1 on Thursday, are scheduled to meet again on Feb. 2.