Granada Hills came in to make a statement that last season’s semi final run was no fluke. The Highlanders, from the first whistle to the last, dominated Canoga Park in a West Valley versus Valley Mission league matchup. 

“We’ve struggled the last couple of games. The first few games don’t really reflect our record, or who we are,” said Highlanders Head Coach Jose Garcia.

Both teams came out in a 4-3-3 lineup, but it was the Highlanders midfield that controlled the game throughout while their wingers exposed the Hunters’ flanks. Within the first 25 minutes of the game the Highlanders had six shots, three of them on goal, but some early saves by goalie Ricardo Rocha helped keep the Hunters in it. In the 28th minute a shot by Granada’s Mark Murcia was again saved by Rocha but Murcia was able to get the rebound and assist to his teammate Ethan Faysman for the opening goal. A few minutes later the Hunters would get a chance at tying the game after a back pass by the Highlanders defense was intercepted by Angel Rodriguez. His shot, however, was saved by goalkeeper Mauricio Gutierrez-Reyes.

Later in the first half Granada’s Joseph Hernandez got a go-ahead pass to Murcia for the shot on goal, which is denied again by Rocha. Hernandez followed up the rebound and put it in the back of the net for a 2-0 lead. A few Minutes later Granada’s Jeremy Benitez added on to the lead, making it 3-0. When Canoga did gain position, they were unable to get anything going because of the constant high pressure by Granada that forced error passes. 

The second half was much of the same with the Highlanders continuing to exploit the flanks, while the Hunters relied on quick counters to try to catch the Highlanders off guard. Solid position by the Highlanders midfield helped keep control of the game. A handball by Canoga led to a penalty kick converted by Favio Solares increasing Granada’s lead, 4-0. Minutes later a pass was intercepted by Murcia who was able to get it in the back of the net after being denied all day. Granada’s Oscar Nunez and Joshua Salvatierra added a pair of goals to end the night with a 7-0 win. 

 “(It’s important) knowing what kind of players I have, and knowing when to kind of, not to over coach, and allow them to kind of figure things out for themselves,” said Garcia. 

The win puts Granada at 2-2-2 on the season. 

Granada will now finish out the year with back-to-back-to-back games starting Thursday against West Ranch, Monroe the following day, and finally against Magnolia Science Academy Reseda on Saturday. 

Canoga Park is now 2-3-2 and will look to recover against Crespi and Royal High Schools on Friday and Saturday in tournament play.