ROGERS — Springdale boys soccer coach D.J. Beeler said his team treated Tuesday's match at Rogers Heritage as a must-win, and the Red Bulldogs came up with key plays late to claim the 2-0 victory at Gates Stadium.

Senior Erick Batres scored two goals in the final 20 minutes to break open a tight match and go on to the win.

Beeler said the Red Bulldogs (8-3-2, 2-1 7A/6A-West) rose to the occasion late.

"We expected it to be tight and it was," Beeler said. "Fortunately for us, we were able to come up with a couple of goals in the second half. We absolutely needed it. If we don't get this win tonight, we're behind the eight-ball."

Beeler also credited his team with relying on its experience and playing with great poise, something that was a problem at times earlier this season.

"We have surprisingly struggled with the professionalism and maturity that it takes to make good decisions at crunch time, Beeler said. "But one of the top conversations at halftime was 'you understand how to win and you've been here before.' Being 0-0 at halftime didn't surprise anybody. We knew it was going to be difficult."

Heritage (5-6-2, 0-3 7A/6A-West) had a couple of golden scoring opportunities earlier in the half, but could not convert. Freshman Erol Banuelos' shot from in front of the goal hit the crossbar with a little more than 20 minutes left in the second half.

Two minutes later Orlando Alguillon was issued a red card, which meant Heritage would play the final 19 minutes a man down. Batres made the War Eagles play less than two minutes later and he added another goal with less than eight minutes left in the game.

War Eagles coach Franklin Jennings said his team's biggest struggle for this entire season has been injuries.

"Our biggest problem tonight was the fact we don't have our full team," Jennings said. "We've got five starters that didn't play, five guys out of a 21-man roster makes a big difference. That being said, Springdale's a great team."

Springdale continues conference play at Van Buren on Friday, while Heritage travels to Bentonville.

Girls

Rogers Heritage 4, Springdale High 0

The Lady War Eagles scored two goals in less than a minute near the end of the first half and cruised to the easy win.

Junior Erika Reyes scored off a high looping shot over the Springdale keeper in the 33rd minute for the 1-0 lead and sophomore Emily Seiler was fouled in the box 32 seconds later.

Seiler scored on the penalty kick for a 2-0 Heritage lead. The Lady War Eagles (4-6-1, 2-1 7A/6A-West) added two more in the second half.Hannah Markel scored off a corner kick by Seiler. Gina Britton added the final goal in the 65th minute on a feed from Raya Jones.

Senior goalkeeper Stacey Schimmel came up with five saves, including a couple of a huge diving ones in the second half to keep Springdale (6-8, 1-2) off the scoreboard.

Heritage plays at Springfield (Mo.) Kickapoo today, then goes to Bentonville on Friday in another conference match.

Sports on 04/16/2014