Boys Soccer: Hubs fend off feisty Belvidere squad

Orozco, Infante score twice in 4-1 win

Russell Hodges
Posted 8/28/18

Monday’s nonconference varsity soccer game between Belvidere and Rochelle was feisty and physical, but that didn’t hold the Hubs back from emerging victorious to continue their perfect start to the 2018 season.

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Boys Soccer: Hubs fend off feisty Belvidere squad

Orozco, Infante score twice in 4-1 win

Posted

ROCHELLE — Monday’s nonconference varsity soccer game between Belvidere and Rochelle was feisty and physical, but that didn’t hold the Hubs back from emerging victorious to continue their perfect start to the 2018 season.

Behind two goals from senior Jessee Infante and freshman Josue Orozco, the Hubs took an early lead and held off a strong Belvidere squad by a score of 4-1 to improve to 4-0 on the year. The Rochelle defense has stymied opponents, surrendering just two goals over the team’s first four games this season.

“This is the season we’ve been looking for,” junior Gyvanziel Quinonez said. “We’ve been looking forward to this season for a long time. We’ve played in leagues together for a long time, and we’ve been able to work together in different ways. We’re close inside and outside of school.”

Rochelle put itself on the scoreboard immediately when Infante (1’) booted in an assist from sophomore Brayan Orozco to give the Hubs a 1-0 advantage. Josue Orozco (23’) put Rochelle ahead 2-0 on his brother Brayan’s second assist of the game. Leading by two goals, the Rochelle defense stood tall despite some strong runs by the Belvidere offense.

Even with gusty winds at their faces in the first half, the Hubs focused on short passes and working the sidelines to keep the Bucs contained.

“We play a diamond formation with three defenders on top and one defender in the back,” senior Ruben Herrera said. “I try to stay on their last guy, but when somebody gets past us, Josue [Almaraz] is there to help us recover the ball, and that’s a big asset for our team.”

Junior Max Torres put a hard shot on goal early in the second half, which Josue Orozco (47’) kicked in after a deflection by the Belvidere keeper to give the Hubs a 3-0 lead. With the contest winding down, Herrera lofted a pass over the Belvidere defensive line to Infante (64’), who put a left-footed shot into the Belvidere net. The Bucs avoided the shutout after scoring on a penalty kick (72’) created by a Rochelle foul in the box.

“Our seniors have been looking forward to this year,” Herrera said. “We’re looking for big things this season.”

The physical battle included nine fouls, and both teams drew a pair of yellow cards. However, the Hubs walked away with the win, and they will continue action this week against Somonauk. Senior Mason DeLille recorded six saves for the Hubs in net on Monday.