High school soccer: Springville edges Orem in a Region 7 soccer thriller

SPRINGVILLE — Missed opportunities proved too much for the Orem boys soccer team as they dropped a 1-0 thriller to Springville in Region 7 action Thursday. With the win the Red Devils remain in first place and control their own destiny heading into the final stretch of the season.

After dominating play throughout most of the game the Tigers (6-3-1, 9-3-1) made one mistake they couldn't atone for when Springville's Bryson Pope was taken down with less than two minutes remaining on the clock resulting in a free kick from nearly 25-yards out. As Pope set up to for the kick the Orem players locked arms, stood on their toes and tried to form the most intimidating wall they could.

"I was just looking for which side I could drive it through." Pope said. "There was nowhere to go so I tried to chip it."

Pope's chip shot found the back of the net securing the win for the Red Devils.

"Obviously there's a bit of luck to it," Pope said. "I'm just glad we got the win."

The Region 7 leaders came out flat allowing several scoring chances for the Tigers who weren't able to capitalize. Orem midfielders Juan Diaz de Leon and McKay Corbett controlled the action with precision passes and aggressive runs keeping the Springville defense on its heels.

Midway through the second half Orem's Michael Lacerda buried a loose ball into the back of the net. However, a questionable offside call negated the goal and deflated the Tigers spirits as the Red Devils stole the momentum and the game.

"I'm thrilled with the win," said Springville coach Rick Bertelsen. "To get a win when you don't play your best soccer is fortunate."

While it was Pope who scored the game-winning goal Springville goalkeeper Brandon Allen deserves player-of-the-game honors. As the Tigers continued to apply pressure it was Allen who kept his team in the game long enough for the offense to wake up.

"Brandon was incredible in goal yet again," Bertelsen said. "He's improved so much through this year."

The Red Devils (8-2-0,12-2-0) squandered opportunities of their own as they were whistled offside numerous times including three times in the second half stifling shots-on -goal inside the 18-yard box.

"We consider ourselves very fortunate to get this win," Bertelsen said. "Orem is a great team."

The Springville win sets up a Region 7 showdown that will feature the second-place Mountain View Bruins taking on the Red Devils for what could be the region championship. The Bruins knocked off Springville in their first meeting in an overtime thriller.