By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The Riverside Rebels fell to 0-2 on Monday after falling to a strong Destrehan team 7-0.

But Coach Daniel Waguespack is encouraged, as he sees a great deal of improvement from the team’s first game to the second.

“The team really improved its play from our opener,” said Waguespack. “Destrehan is a very good team. But we passes it a lot better, we had more shots on goal. We looked much better.”

Jesse LeBlanc had six shots on goal for the Rebels to lead the team.

A major highlight was the play of goalkeeper Beau Gaudet, who notched 17 saves.

“They could have scored over 20 if not for him,” Waguespack said. “He was making beautiful saves left and right.”

The Rebels lost their first game on Friday to Christian Life, 9-0.

Riverside trailed 2-0 at the half, but the Warriors broke the game open in the second half with seven goals.

“We just wore down after the first half,” said Waguespack. “We have a small team, only 14 kids. Fatigue took over. But they never stopped running and put forth a great effort.”

Waguespack credited Nick Moock, LeBlanc, Gene Burns and Gaudet as being standout performers on Friday.

The game was Moock’s debut on the soccer field for the Rebels.

“This was Nick’s first game ever, and he was one of my better performers,” said Waguespack.

Burns is recovering from broken ribs that he suffered during football season, and Waguespack said he gave a gritty performance.

“He was limited, and he gave his all,” he said. “He played his heart out and really did well.”