For 40 minutes Saturday in Lovington, Artesia head coach Phillip Jowers saw his Bulldogs put it all together. And it was encouraging, to say the least.
“For the first 40 minutes, they were the team they can be,” Jowers said Saturday. “Unfortunately, the other 40 minutes was a whole other story.”
The ‘Dogs came out strong against the Wildcats on their home turf, playing competitive soccer and holding Lovington to just a single first-half goal. But as the second half began, the ‘Cats were able to fire in a few goals in quick succession, and the effect was devastating. Artesia went on to lose the bout, 9-0.
“It was frustrating, because you see that glimpse,” Jowers said. “They were playing their positions, they were making their passes – they were pretty much doing everything they were supposed to do and putting the game plan in motion.”
Still growing into the program, Saturday’s contest was another lesson learned for the Bulldogs, but Jowers is confident their early play showed the team what it’s capable of.
“I think seeing they could play that first half the way they did should prove to them that they can compete with anybody,” said the coach. “I’m excited to move forward, and we’re just going to keep at it.”
The ‘Dogs will travel to Goddard at 5 p.m. Tuesday to take on the Rockets before closing out the season at 7 p.m. Thursday against Roswell High at home.
