Fountain Valley Falls Apart Against Esperanza

Sometimes statistics can be misleading, but this one says it all about the Fountain Valley boys’ soccer fortunes: the Barons gave up nine goals last year, and gave up seven Wednesday against Esperanza.

And it could have been worse.

Two shots by third-ranked Esperanza hit the post and several others missed at point-blank range in a 7-1 thrashing of host Fountain Valley, which played in last year’s Southern Section Division I title game.

“It’s about the desire, the heart,” Fountain Valley Coach Kevin Smith said. “They had it all and we had nothing.”

Esperanza (16-2-2, 4-0 in the Sunset League) led, 3-0, before the game was 15 minutes old. Fountain Valley’s Joey Vazquez, The Times Orange County player of the year last season, left midway through the first half because of an ankle injury and did not return. Forward Joey Bove also left in the first half after receiving a yellow card and did not return.

But Wednesday’s game wasn’t so much about Fountain Valley (9-7, 1-3) missing as it was about Esperanza’s unselfishness. Six players scored for the Aztecs and four others had assists.

“We’re playing a good game as a unit,” Esperanza Coach Kino Oaxaca said. “Not that many people are out there for themselves.”

Esperanza’s Aaron Pugmire scored his 13th and 14th goals of the season.