Picure Gallery & Game Recap – Desert Vista Boys & Girls Win Tempe Diablos Classic

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Friday night was huge for the boys and girls soccer programs at Desert Vista High School in the Tempe Diablos Classic Championship games. The girls team defeated last years Division I State Champions Gilbert Highland, 2-1, and the boys side stopped a high powered Chandler Hamilton offense from scoring and defeated them, 1-0.

Hamilton had numerous chances in the first half but couldn’t find the right combination in front of the goal. Desert Vista’s Tate Schmitt (brother of Phoenix FC DEF/MID Reid Schmitt) provided the assist on the only goal of the game when Josh Greene found the back of the net from the corner cross in the 29th minute of the first half. Down a goal in the second half Hamilton looked to equalize but became desperate and sloppy which resulted in numerous fouls. A red card to a Hamilton player in the latter part of the second half sealed the victory for Desert Vista. They then crowded the middle of the field and prevented Hamilton from taking any other shots on goal. Desert Vista head coach Mike Rabasca spoke after the game saying how this tournament is a great measuring stick and how these games are nice because it gives him a opportunity to get a lot of players playing time.

The Desert Vista girls took advantage of two counter attacks to defeat Gilbert Highland. In the first half DV’s Rachel Ressler scored after receiving the ball at mid-field, defeating a Highland defender and then GK. Highland equalized in the second half when Jaden DeGracie’s somersault throw in took a deflection and squeaked into the DV net. The tie was broken with minutes remaining in the second half when Desert Vista’s Kelly Watson took a pass inside the box and beat the Highland goalie from about 5 yards out (see picture labeled: Tempe Diablos Classic Girls Desert Vista vs Highland 14). DV then brought everyone back on defense and outlasted Highland to secure the victory. Desert Vista head coach Marvin Hypolite was asked if this was a statement win after the game. He said “We’re definitely gonna to try to take it this year. We played them last year actually it has always been a competition with these guys. This year was definitely a statement.”

We will also have video highlights from the boys game up very soon and from the girls game as well. Make sure you follow AzKicksIt on twitter and like us on Facebook to know when we publish those.

Check out the picture gallery from the semifinal games here

Parents, family, friend, coaches, players feel free to take any pictures you want!