Flintridge Prep boys’ soccer handles Providence
GLENDALE — There was some historical significance when the Flintridge Prep boys’ soccer team met Providence on Thursday evening.
It marked the first time the Rebels and Pioneers faced each other in a Prep League match.
Flintridge Prep has been a long-time member of the Prep League and Providence joined the league this season after previously competing in the Independence League.
In the match, Flintridge Prep gained the upper hand, as Simon Siskel, Eric Ahn and Silas Chavez each scored two goals each en route to a convincing 9-0 win at the Glendale Sports Complex.
Flintridge Prep (12-6-1, 3-1 in league) scored two goals in the first four minutes of the match to pull away from Providence (1-8, 0-4).
“[Providence] replaced Firebaugh in our league and it’s good to see a new team in our league and try to build a rivalry,” Siskel said. “We have a better idea now of kind of team they have and we get to play them again.
“A lot of good things happened for us tonight. We were able to have a lot of players contribute and we just want to keep on winning.”
Flintridge Prep split the league championship last season with Chadwick and Firebaugh. Flintridge Prep didn’t qualify for the CIF Southern Section playoffs after losing to Firebaugh in a play-in match as only two teams from the four-team league automatically qualify for the postseason.
Providence won the Independence League championship last season. Providence then won its first playoff match in school history before losing to Lawndale Environmental Charter, which advanced to the Division VIII title match.
Flintridge Prep took charge early Thursday.
Nick Klatsky gave the Rebels a 1-0 lead in the third minute before Siskel made it 2-0 in the fourth minute. Ahn scored to give Flintridge Prep a 3-0 lead in the 27th minute.
A minute later, Siskel scored to extend the advantage to 4-0.
Chavez scored on a 35-yard free kick inside the left post to make it 5-0 with a minute left in the first half.
“We came in after playing [Wednesday] against Chadwick in a physical game,” Flintridge Prep co-coach Stanley Curiel said. “It was important to come out early and get those two quick goals and everything just seemed to click throughout the game.
“We have a young team, but we have a lot of weapons on the outside and inside and up top. It’s interesting when you get to face a new team, especially in your league.We respect all of our opponents.”
Dylan McGraham gave the Rebels a 6-0 lead in the 48th minute.
Chavez made it 7-0 in the 65th minute before Ahn scored about three minutes later to extend the lead to 8-0.
Grady Morrisey closed out the scoring in the 76th minute.
Providence first-year coach Chris Bonawandt said the Pioneers are adjusting to their new league.
“We’re learning,” Bonawandt said. “We had complementary players from last year who have returned and are now taking on bigger roles and providing things like leadership.
“We making adjustments to sped and physicality. [Flintridge Prep] used its speed to get some of its goals. We tried to make adjustments during the first half and we just ran out of gas by halftime. We’ll stay with it and keep working.”
Flintridge Prep and Providence will meet again Jan. 26 at the Glendale Sports Complex.
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
