Gridley junior Eddie Rodriguez (7) takes the ball towards the goal in the Bulldogs’ 1-0 win over Corning on Thursday, January 11.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Bulldogs boys’ soccer team opened Butte View League play with a 1-0 victory over the Corning Cardinals on Thursday, January 11.

Gridley is aiming to be back on top of the BVL as they finished second in the standings last season, and won the previous four years.

The league opener versus Corning was scrappy and eventful as both squads gave it their best effort on the field.

Bulldogs junior striker Nolan Weagant expressed to the Herald that it wasn’t the prettiest game Gridley has played, but they did what they had to do for the win.

Gridley junior striker Nolan Weagant (1) takes the ball upfield in the Bulldogs’ 1-0 victory over Corning on Thursday, January 11.

The first half ended in a tie at zero. Junior center midfielder Alfonso Martinez told the Herald the physicality aspect of the game is to be as level-headed as they can.

In the second half the Bulldogs struck the scoreboard in the 67th minute when sophomore Cesar Alvares put the ball in the back of the net and gave Gridley the 1-0 lead. 

Gridley senior Gregorio Ramos (10) attempts to move the ball upfield in the Bulldogs’ 1-0 victory on Thursday, January 11 over Corning.

Although that is all the Bulldogs needed to win the game, the physicality of both defenses ramped up as there were some penalty cards shown in the second half by both sides.

Gridley shot the ball 21 times and only Alvares’s goal was accounted for as a shot on goal.

Gridley sophomore Nery Martinez (21) dribbles the ball upfield in the Bulldogs’ 1-0 win over Corning on Thursday, January 11.

Bulldogs senior goalie Adrian Santillan was stellar in the box as he had eight saves in the match and secured his second shutout of the season.

Gridley Head Coach Jesse Barajas was impressed with the way his team came out and battled through the game. 

Weagant told the the Herald the Bulldogs preseason set them up to be ready for the league as it helped realize a lot about themselves as a team.

“We learned how to play together and build chemistry,” Weagant said.

There was a red card assessed to Gridley in the 76th minute, but the Bulldogs defense was able to hold on for the victory despite being a man down.

Gridley plays Las Plumas at Harrison Stadium on Tuesday, January 23, at 4 p.m

The Gridley girls soccer team lost 4-3 to Corning on January 11, as well. Lady Bulldogs senior striker Rafaela Anguiano, who is now the team leader in goals with 12, scored two goals in the loss. 

Gridley senior striker Rafaela Anguisno goes towards the goal in the Lady Bulldogs’ 4-3 loss to Corning on Thursday, January 11.

Gridley tied the game at 3 in the 59th minute, but Corning quickly took the lead within the next 30 seconds after the kickoff.

Corning was able to hold on for the victory in the final 20 plus minutes and secure their first BVL win of the year.

The Lady Bulldogs are next scheduled to play against Las Plumas on Tuesday, January 23, at Harrison Stadium in Oroville. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. following the boys game.