Cavemen start 2016 strong

Carlsbad’s defensive pressure enabled the Cavemen to push the ball forward via counterattacks, resulting in a strong showing at the Roswell Coyote Classic Tournament.

Despite losing 4-0 against Capital in Friday’s opener, Carlsbad made some changes to its back line Saturday to take down New Mexico Military Institute (1-0) and Moriarty (5-2) and win the consolation title.

Coach Rick Castillo said he moved senior defender Logan Menuey and junior defender Dalton Bradshaw, who previously played on outside, to the middle of the back line. Combined with senior Cele Aguilar and junior Kody Oliver bolstering outside coverage on defense, Castillo said the adjustments limited the number of opposing free balls in the middle and forced opponents to shoot from the outside more often.

“It’s really paid off to tighten up our defense. We’ve been limiting the number of shots,” Castillo said. “It’s definitely something we can build on.”

Although Carlsbad had just 12 shots on Friday, the Cavemen had a combined 50 shots on Saturday. Senior midfielder Marco Aguilar scored off a corner kick against NMMI, while junior forward David Soto scored four goals against Moriarty. Junior forward Mario “Beto” Leyva scored the fifth goal against Moriarty.

Carlsbad (2-1) will open District 3-6A play at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Mayfield.

CAPITAL 4, CARLSBAD 0

CARLSBAD 1, NMMI 0

CARLSBAD 5, MORIARTY 2

Up next for Carlsbad: 6 p.m. Tuesday at Mayfield