By Michael LEVITSKY

The Falcons boys’ soccer team sustained its unbeaten record within Pacific League play following a 3-0 win over the Hoover High Tornadoes Tuesday afternoon.

All three scores came in the first half as senior forward Argin Baharians registered a hat trick to bring his goal total to 15 on the season, a team high.

The Falcons took an early lead 1-0 lead as Baharians found the back of the net in just the second minute of play. Streaking up the middle of the field, he was led by a pass from senior midfielder Talon Carvalho, then zipped past the Tornadoes’ back line to place it in the back of the net.

The lead was doubled after a second goal by Baharians in the 21st minute. Falcons midfielders strung together several passes leading to Ervin Gregorian bursting down the right flank, crossing the ball into the box and, after Hoover defenders failed to get a foot on it, landed at the feet of Baharians. The senior forward brought the ball down to his right foot and sent a rocket past the outstretched arms of the opposing keeper.

“I felt great,” said Baharians of his three-goal performance. “My teammates provided me with everything I needed today. It’s not a one-man team, we played good as a team and we got that [win].”

Baharians completed his first half hat trick in the 35th minute, again being assisted by Gregorian.     

On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons had their hands tied throughout the contest. The Tornadoes had their chances to score, as forward Kevin Mirzakhanian nearly scored in the first minute of action. Heading up the right side, Mirzakhanian dribbled past the opposing defender and nearly put it through had the shot not been blocked by Falcons’ keeper Ejmin Ohanian. Mirzakhanian made the Falcons defense uncomfortable all game, but they remained stringent, allowing just five shots on goal to the Tornadoes.

“Boy, the dangerous chances [Hoover] had in the first half,” said Head Coach Grant Clark regarding his side’s defensive effort. “Second half we worked more on not trying to win the ball on the first defender, but rather staying in front. I think that helped a lot more to slow the opportunities.”

With the win, Crescenta Valley improved to 5-0-2 in league play.

The Falcons look to keep their unbeaten streak going as they travel to Burroughs High School on Friday, then host Pasadena Tuesday, Jan. 21. Both matches have serious league title implications as Pasadena sits atop the Pacific League and Burroughs sits at third place currently.

  Michael LEVITSKY