‘Stangs close season with 2-1 victory over Willits while playoff-bound Trojans blank ULHS
Lake County Sports on Facebook
MIDDLETOWN >> Carter Rarick assisted on the game-tying goal and then scored the winning goal as the Middletown Mustangs erased a 2-1 halftime deficit in a 3-2 season-ending victory over the Willits Wolverines in North Central League I boys soccer action at Bill Foltmer Field in Middletown.
Ethan Silva’s goal, assisted by Rarick, pulled the Mustangs even at 2-2.
“The momentum continued to build, and Carter Rarick eventually found the back of the net for the game-winning goal, assisted by Wyatt Davis,” Middletown head coach Katie Robinson said. “The boys continued to fight until the final whistle, taking the lead and securing the memorable victory to finish the season.”
Senior Val Cruz scored in the first half for Middletown, knocking the ball into the net after taking a corner kick from Jose Delgado. The Mustangs (5-8-1 league, 7-10-3 overall) had a chance to tie it but missed a penalty kick on which the Willits keeper made “a great dive to stop,” according to Robinson.
“Willits played relentlessly through the game, putting pressure on our defense and challenging our players at every opportunity,” Robinson said. “Despite giving up two goals, our goalkeepers and defensive line held tightly and continued to work together to keep us in the game.”
Middletown keeper David Reyes recorded six saves in the first half. Ruben Rincon opened in the net in the second half and stopped all eight shots directed at him. The Mustangs also received solid defensive play from Nalu Johnson and Caleb Ahlmann, both with 22 steals.
“Their ability to win the ball and transition back into our offense was a huge part of our success,” Robinson said of Johnson’s and Ahlmann’s play.
Looking back on the 2026 season, Robinson said, “I am incredibly proud of this team. Watching these players come together, support one another and continue to fight through adversity has been one of the most rewarding parts of coaching this season. Their teamwork, effort and positive energy in the second half were a true reflection of what we have worked toward all season long. It was a true honor to coach these boys, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of their soccer journey. They finished the season with a well-earned victory, and I could not be prouder of the way they represented Middletown.”
In other boys soccer action Thursday:
Lower Lake 4, Upper Lake 0
At Upper Lake, the Lower Lake Trojans secured sole possession of second place in the league standings with a shutout of Upper Lake.
The Trojans went 9-3-2 in league and 11-4-4 overall. They will learn on Sunday who, when and where they will be playing next week when the North Coast Section playoffs open.
Lower Lake scoring wasn’t reported.
Upper Lake finishes the season 0-13-1 in league and 0-18-3 overall.
