The Hillcrest Academy Raven boys soccer team traveled to Riverside Thursday and came home with their first win of the season 5-0 over the Highland Huskies. Defenses and weather conditions controlled the first 30 minutes of action. Hillcrest broke through in the 32nd minute when Diego Ramos put the Ravens on the board to make it 1-0 and less than 30 seconds later his second goal doubled the Hillcrest lead. Jorge Canchola then came back with two goals in a small space, scoring in the 36th and 39th minutes to give the Ravens a 4-0 advantage going to the break. Micah Gerber finished the Raven scoring with a 41st minute goal and the Hillcrest defense took the Ravens the rest of the way to the finish line. After the match, Raven forwards Ramos and Canchola talked with KCII Sports about the win. “We were making good passes and looking for the gaps. A lot of times I just lobbed it over and (Diego) was there. He got through their defense and took that shot. Teamwork is important for us. We all play well together, my teammate Jorge and I play very well together. Teamwork and hard work. Those goals happened so fast. It was like once we got that first goal we got all of our momentum going. This win felt really good after the close loss earlier this week.”

Raven head coach Marcus Miller highlighted the play of his defense including Grant and Mason Bender, Andrew Starr and Bryce Bailey. Aiden Krabill posted a clean sheet in goal with a pair of saves. Hillcrest is now 1-1 on the year and will take on Iowa City Regina this evening in Kalona.