By Omar Tanamly (April 20, 2004)

The varsity soccer team defeated Strasburg 5-0, last Friday, in its first district match of the season. The Mustangs played at Strasburg after their last two games scheduled against Heritage and Broad Run were cancelled due to inclement weather, while the junior varsity had no game. 

The district season commenced with the game last Friday, and the varsity team will play nine games every Tuesday and Friday during the next five weeks, playing each of their opponents on two occasions, one home and one away. The competing teams hail from Strasburg, Clarke County, Rappahannock, Madison County, and Manassas Park.

Junior Paul Arnaudo scored the first goal off a throw by Dittmar just four and a half minutes after the game commenced. The game continued without either side giving up any goals until junior Ariel Toom scored the second goal off a perfectly-positioned cross from sophomore Gregg Curtin. Nils-Petter Ek brought the total score to three for the Mustangs, ending the second half 3-0.

In the second half, during which several new players were substituted for some of the experienced players, sophomore Gregg Curtin scored his first goal of the season, as did junior Josiah Larson, bringing his season total goals scored to 3, tied with Ek for most goals scored. Senior Peter Dittmar racked up four assists, bringing his season total to six, the most assists of any player on the team thus far.

The Mustangs play Manassas Park today at home. As always, check http://www.gmsoccer.com for updates.