Cam McDonald launches a through-ball to one of his Krypton Laser teammates. Photo by G. Salazar-Brown

SPORTS News:

The Boys U11 LAFC Krypton Lasers defeated the Westside United Bears 3-1 in a hard fought match for their third win in three games. Dhruv Thulasidasan initiated the Lasers’ first goal by stealing the ball from a Bears midfielder and passing to James Ito who dribbled down the right side of the field and drilled a shot to the far post past the goalie into the side netting. 

In the second half, Taelin Stanfield intercepted a Bears goal kick off his chest, dribbled around two defenders, and place the ball into the back of the net to put the Lasers up 2-0.  The Bears then stepped up their intensity with a half dozen or so shots on goal.

Goalie Liam Cunningham made several key saves and central defender Michael Witkowski sacrificed his body on several occasions to stop shots on goal. After the Bears got one back, Ito carefully slotted a left-goal past the goalie on a through ball by Tyron Pietryga. Pietryga, Stanfield and Brendan French were key players of the match for their hustle, strong defense, and distribution of the ball, and in the case of French for several stellar saves in goal in the first half.

The Boys U12 LAFC Pumas have gone 3-0 in Duke City Soccer League Action this Spring, winning 4-2 against the AYSO United Vipers, 5-0 over the Rio Rapids Silver, and 2-0 against the Albuquerque United Red. They play the Amarillo Lightning – also undefeated –Saturday at the New Mexico State Soccer Complex in Bernalillo.