Burbank Bulldogs Secure 1-0 Win Over Sun Valley Pioneers

Bulldogs increase their point total to four in the victory over the Pioneers

A soccer field with players and spectators, surrounded by mountains and buildings, during a game with clear blue skies.

A view of a soccer field with players warming up, surrounded by mountains and a clear blue sky.

The Burbank Bulldogs escaped with a 1-0 victory over the Sun Valley Magnet Pioneers behind Harout Akopyan’s game winning goal on a free kick before the final whistle blew. The Bulldogs came off a 13-0 win over La Canada in their season home opener, while Sun Valley Magnet came off an opening season 2-0 loss to University back on Wednesday, November 19th.

Soccer match taking place on a field with players in white jerseys, mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

A view of a sports field with mountains and blue sky in the background, featuring a soccer goal and players in the foreground.

The Bulldogs had two missed chances in the first half as Raymond Soukazian and Akopyan both had opportunities at goal that would have put the Bulldogs on the board first. Soukazian’s goal chance came in the third minute, while Akopyan had his shot bounce off the crossbar in the 32nd minute of play. Burbank held Sun Valley Magnet in check offensively throughout the first half which led to the score being tied at zero heading into the second half.

A soccer match in progress on a field, with players from two teams engaged in play. In the background, hills and a clear blue sky are visible.

A soccer match in progress with players from two teams battling for the ball on a green field, surrounded by mountains and a clear blue sky.

Erik Mkrtchyan and Aram Hovanessian both had chances to score in the second half but neither ended up going their way, Mkrtchyan’s shot went into the hands of the Pioneers goalkeeper Chriss Callejas and Hovanessian missed on his opportunity at goal in the 21st minute of play. Late in the half, the Pioneers committed a foul on their own side of the field. Akopyan stepped up to the ball with an opportunity to break the tie when he was tasked to take the free kick. Akopyan came through in the clutch and got the ball to hit the net before the final whistle blew with a huge goal to give the Burbank a 1-0 lead. That final whistle secured the one-goal victory for the Bulldogs.

A soccer match in progress with players from the Burbank Bulldogs and Sun Valley Magnet Pioneers on the field, set against a backdrop of mountains and a blue sky.

A soccer game in progress on a field with players from two teams, wearing white and dark uniforms, with a mountainous background and a clear blue sky.

“Before I took the free kick I knew I was going to deliver in the clutch for the team.” Akopyan said of his opportunity to take the free kick “Once I kicked the ball I knew it was going in the net and I did this for my team because they are like my family.”Akopyan also added this win was not about one player as it was about the entire team chipping in.

A soccer match in progress with players on the field, a mountain backdrop, and a church visible in the background.

Soccer players on a field with mountains in the background during a match.

“I felt like we were the better team overall in the one point win but Harout Akopyan had a beautiful free kick to help us win it” said Erik Gharibian. Gharibian also added that the boys should increase their level of play after playing sloppy for most of the game.

Soccer match in progress with players from both teams on the field and mountains in the background.

Outdoor soccer match in progress with players from both teams on the field, mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

“It was a really hard fought battle, both teams gave it their all and I’m proud of how my guys played despite not getting what we wanted.” said Leonardo Flores. Flores added it’s a learning experience when asked about the Pioneers starting the season by dropping their first two games of the season.

A soccer match in progress on a field with players from both teams competing in front of a backdrop of hills and houses.

High school soccer players in action on a green turf field with goalposts visible in the background during a match between Burbank Bulldogs and Sun Valley Magnet Pioneers.

Burbank improves to 2-0-0 overall and Sun Valley Magnet drops to 0-2-0 on the season. Both teams will return to action following the Thanksgiving break on Monday, December 1st. The Pioneers will host Lakeview Charter at 3:30 p.m. and Burbank will begin Pacific League play at Arcadia with kickoff slated for 3:45 p.m.