The 2021 AHSAA soccer season is underway, and the Russellville High School boys and girls teams are excited to be back in action after this past year’s abrupt ending because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Russellville’s varsity boys have faced tough competition already this year and have yet to allow a goal in their 3-0 start. The Golden Tigers opened the season with a 10-0 win at Hamilton that took just over a half to put away.

Feb. 9 Russellville hosted Austin, and after a scoreless first half, the Golden Tigers picked up a 5-0 win.

Experienced goal-keeper Daniel Martinez has been solid in front of the net, and RHS got scoring from four different players in the victory over the Black Bears. Juan Cano led the way with two goals, while Jonathan Salgado, Orlando Jimenez and Cristhian Cano scored one goal each.

“We needed a physical rough, tough game that we figured out a way to win,” said Russellville head coach Trey Stanford said. “We made some changes at halftime formation-wise, and my guys just really bought into it quickly.”

The RHS boys kept their winning streak alive with a 3-0 victory at 6A Cullman Feb. 11. The game consisted of two 30-minute halves, which was shorter than the usual half of 40 minutes, because of bad weather.

Coach Fred Ambrosio has helped guide the Russellville girls to a 1-1 start to the season.

After a 7-0 loss at Florence to begin the year, the Lady Golden Tigers came back strong to defeat Hamilton by a 6-2 final score.

Kathy Sanchez and Sandra Mateo had two goals apiece in the win over the Aggies. Also scoring for RHS were Ashley Garcia and Myrium Garcia.