YUMA, Ariz. – When you think of a Cibola versus Gila Ridge soccer match; other than the crosstown rivalry between the two boys programs, the stakes wouldn’t normally be high. Think again!
Under first year head coaches Bryan Claudio (Cibola) and Corey Semler (Gila Ridge), both programs find themselves in the thick of a four team race for the top spot and potential automatic draw into the Division 2 playoffs just a couple of weeks down the road.
The winner of Wednesday night’s game would have an inside track, each with one section loss and a tie between these two teams back in December.
Gila Ridge would take advantage of their home field by taking the 2-o lead in the first half. The second half was marked by missed opportunities, as the Hawk’s Erik Ibarra’s goal was scratched because of a handball call that also included a yellow card.
The Raiders would also fail to cash in on a number of occasions, which included a saved header attempt by Gabriel Claudio.
The second half stalemate would work in the Hawks favor, giving them the 2-0 win.
Gila Ridge is tied with the San Luis Sidewinders atop the Gila Valley section, while both Cibola and Kofa are on the outside looking in with two section losses.