After an early season loss in overtime to Helix in their home opener and a tough loss to Valhalla, Coronado bounced back nicely during last Wednesday’s match against the Oceanside Pirates, taking the match by the final of 18-12.
“Here in the early part of the season, we’re still trying to figure it all out, see where we stack up, and make sure all the guys understand their roles. Something we were not able to do last season,” said Coach Jesse Smith. “For these games where we’re at, we are trying to keep it super simple and execute it out there. It was a good game and it was good to go out there and get a win.”
In past matches, the Islanders have had a tendency to start slow, but on Wednesday, they avoided that by tallying nine goals in the first period of play. Quint Richardson led the scoring barrage in the first, connecting for three goals.
Ryan Mondzelewski would also find the back of the net in the first period, collecting two goals of his own. “The first quarter of games this season has been a struggle for us at times,” said Smith. “So for us to jump out the way that we did was encouraging. We’re mixing it up and seeing how different groups work together, but having better first quarters is something we will continue to work on going forward.”
Coronado netted three more goals in the second period of play and, as a result, took a commanding 12-6 lead into the halftime period.
The Islanders continued to be aggressive in the third period, as Luca Morocco and Connor Gray got in on the action, combining for three goals in the third. Smith noted that Morocco and Mondzelewski’s early-season play and leadership have been vital.
“Luca and Ryan are great players, and they have done a great job of leading their teammates this season,” commented Smith. “They’re working really hard in every aspect of the game and pushing their teammates around them.”
The Islanders put the match away in the third, not just because of the goals from Morocco and Gray but also because of a stout defensive effort that saw Coronado hold Oceanside to just two goals in the third. Jack Elardo, Mondzelewski, and Zach Faley also forced turnovers in the third to help them keep a 15-8 lead going to the fourth.
Over the final period of play, Coronado added a few more goals en route to their eventual 18-12 victory. Following the win Wednesday, Coronado remained hot during their following game Friday, as they took down Helix 12-11, making it two straight wins and avenging an earlier season loss to the Highlanders.
“I see a ton of potential in this group, and with the new guys we have and the veteran talent we have, I think we can play competitively with anyone,” said Smith. “What we are f... Click here to read full article
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