Over the years, Judge Memorial and Jordan have had their share of battles as two of the better soccer teams in the state. Judge captured state 3A titles in 1987 and 1989 and Jordan won in 1990.
This year's first meeting between the two 4A schools Tuesday at Rosewood Park didn't figure to be much of a match, since Jordan came in with a 6-2 overall record, while Judge was 1-6.So much for records.
The Bulldogs came back with a pair of second-half goals to take a 2-1 upset victory in Region 6. That left both teams with 2-1 records in league play.
"It was a big win for us," said first-year Judge coach Phil Schmitz. "It feels good to come out on top in a close game. We've lost a lot of close games this year."
After Jordan took a 1-0 first-half lead on a goal by Andy Fullmer, Judge came back to tie the score 13 minutes into the second half on a long shot by Jeff Lachowski. His shot from 20 yards out, hooked into the goalpost and bounced in the net.
Then with just three minutes left in the game, the Bulldogs got a big break when a shot went off the hand of a Jordan defender in the penalty box. On the resulting penalty shot, Dean Gordon stuck the ball into the left corner of the net and the Bulldogs hung on for the victory.
Both teams used backup goalies because their regulars were sitting out because of red cards in their previous game. Jay Carpenter made several nice saves for the Beetdiggers, while Judge also got a great performance from David Ravarino, who hadn't played the goalie position in a couple of years.
Jordan coach Bill Noble was disappointed with his team's play, saying, "In the second half we didn't follow the strategy we should be following."
But he was also upset with the officiating.
"I know it will sound like sour grapes, but the officials took us out of the game," he said.
Noble didn't have any complaint with the "hand ball" call that decided the game, but he felt every time his team got something going offensively, they were stopped with a foul or an offsides call.
Judge plays host to Region 6 leader Murray (2-0) Friday, while the Beetdiggers will get their shot at Murray on Tuesday after playing Granite Friday.
In other prep action Tuesday:
Viewmont 4, Davis 1
In Region 2 action, Mark Breese, Josh Hogge, Jason Roberts and B.J. McNicol all scored goals for the Vikings - all in the first half.
Highland 4, Cottonwood 0
In another Region 2 contest, Jorge Silva scored a pair of goals and Tyler Patrick and Ben Lingen each added a score as the Rams shut out the Colts.
Timpview 4, Pleasant Grove 0
Goalie Tim Jones shut out the Vikings in a Region 8 matchup. Rich Dahl, Mike Henstrom, Tyler Jackson and Steve Backman all scored for the Thunderbirds.