Burroughs boys’ soccer stops North Hollywood, 2-0, in own summer league
BURBANK — The Burroughs High boys’ soccer team enjoyed a breakthrough season last year, winning the Pacific League championship for the first time since 2009 before advancing to the CIF Southern Section Division III quarterfinals with a solid nucleus of talent.
Most of the team will be in tact for the upcoming season, leaving Burroughs Coach Mike Kodama excited.
“We feel pretty good right now about where we are,” Kodama said after Burroughs registered a 2-0 victory against North Hollywood on Monday in a Burroughs Summer League match at Luther Middle School. “We have a lot going for us, with a lot of returners coming back.”
“We still have a few holes to fill in here and there.”
Looking to fill one of those starting spots for the Indians, who will meet Cesar Chavez, a 3-2 winner against Canyon Country Canyon, in the league championship match at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at the same location, is senior midfielder Dexter Dysthe.
Dysthe came off the bench to buoy the Indians last season and will now look to crack the starting lineup next winter.
Dysthe made a good impression Monday, as he scored the match-winning goal after heading in a nice cross pass from Xavi Izquieta in the 43rd minute just inside the goal box.
“You just go out there showing that you can perform,” Dysthe said. “We had a great season last year and we are coming together [in the summer].
“I’ve got a lot of confidence right now.”
Burroughs closed out the scoring in the 63rd minute on a 30-yard free kick by Izquieta that deflected in off a North Hollywood defender.
Burroughs goalkeeper David Quinonez finished with six saves.
Kodama said Dysthe made some adjustments in the second half.
“He gives us speed and was able to attack some more,” said Kodama, the reigning All-Area Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year after leading the Indians to a 15-7-3 record last season. “He needed to make that run toward the goal to get the goal.”