NORTHSIDE’S MACIEL BURNING CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS

It’s been a busy spring for Northside soccer coach Mauricio Maciel. The veteran Northside coach is coaching both the girls and boys teams for the Grizzlies and Lady Bears. The Lady Bears (2-5-1) are currently 1-2 in 7A-Central play. “After a great win over central before break, we felt good about traveling to Mount St. Mary’s and almost pulled the upset,” Maciel said. “We were on top 1-0, but they managed to come back the last 20 minutes of the match to beat us.” Anna Ybarra has been steady in goal, Maciel said. “She is very very mature and confident in goal and provides a great deal of leadership for us,” he said. Katelyn Gilkey has been a steady defender. “If we can minimize turnovers, we will be a better team and beat teams,” Maciel said. “We have been in every single game we have played, and if we do that we can win more games as we are trying to make state tournament and then hopefully surprise a lot of teams.” Maciel said the Grizzlies are currently 4-3-1 (2-1) heading into today’s match with Conway (8-0, 2-0). Goalie Eric Flores has played well, Maciel said. Luis Paredes and Jose Paredes are playing well offensively, the coach said. “We really missed Luis Paredes on the loss to Bryant at home, which was a game we dominated but lost in penalty kicks, and with his presence the outcome would have been different, I think,” Maciel said. “Ricky Iturriaga and Jason Mendoza are an intimidating duo up on top and have scored key goals for us. “We create plenty of scoring opportunities but we need to capitalize so that we can put games away.”

NORTHSIDE’S MACIEL BURNING CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS

KEVIN TAYLOR

Times Record | 3/29/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Fort Smith Northside High School Athletics