State champs: Nashville boys, De Queen girls win titles
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— De Queen will hope that its championship preperation will prevent poor performance in the state’s highest game in Conference 5A.
“Whoever makes the least amount of mistakes will leave this match as Conference 5A state soccer champions,” De Queen head boys soccer coach Stephen Sloan said.
The Leopards will take on Hot Springs at Lady Razorback Soccer Field on the campus of the University of Arkansas, today at 2 p.m.
“Hot Springs is a good club. They’re well coached and their record reflects that,” Sloan said.
The Leopards senior captain, Leonardo Dominguez, will lead his squad against the state’s all-time leading scorer in Hot Springs senior forward Erick Guadron.
“Dominguez is our leader. He is a three-year starter that has played in the championship game before. My guys look up to him and as he goes, our team goes,” Sloan said.
Guadron, who is regarded as the state’s top player, will look to kick the Trojans to victory from his forward position.
“Guadron is one of the best in the state and its not by
mistake. He’s the all-time goal scorer in the state and that’s a testament of his ability,” Sloan said.
Both teams come from the western division of Conference 5A, which makes both squads familiar with one another from competing in the regular season.
“We split with them through the regular season. It’s a bit of a rivalry because of proximity and how well our clubs have fared over the past few years,” Sloan said.
Both squads goals per game are mirror images of each other.
De Queen is averaging 3.3 goals per game, while Hot Springs is avergage 3.6 goals per game.
“Both teams are evenly matched, so this game will come down to who can do the litte things right and who can capitalize off given opportunities,” Slong said.