By Joseph Recinos
The women’s soccer team pulled off an impressive 3-0 victory against Mt. San Antonio College, Friday at Wiengart Stadium.
Tensions were high from the kick off to the final whistle, between the Huskies and the Mounties. The first attempt at goal by the Huskies came in the first 10 minutes in form of a free kick by Tabitha Valdez, which went just above the goal keep.
Shortly after the first attempt, forward Rosalba Rojas, was injured in a tackle by a Mountie defense and had to be replaced by Leslie Rivera, who would later go on to score two of the three goals. Belinda Newsom and Rivera became a force to be reckoned with on the left wing. They worked very well as a pair and in the 36th minute the work paid off. With a cross from Newsom, which flew past a few two defenders and the goalie, Rivera struck the ball for an easy score.
“The first goal was beautiful. That was some good soccer out there,” said Melinda Bowen, Mounties head coach. Shortly after the first goal the, Mounties began to rally their players and managed to cause a dynamic shift. The Mounties tried hard to break through the defense but with no avail. The Husky defense was ready for every trick and didn’t allow for the shift to stick very long.
At the 53rd minute, Jessica Guzman kicked the ball, which was deflected by the goalie. Luckily, Rivera was there to pick up the pieces and put the Huskies up 2-0. Guzman who played very well made various attempts at goal, and even though none made it to the back of the net she was very helpful with assists and in leading the charge against the Mounties. The second half was a tug-of-war between both teams.
In the 36th minute the Huskies delivered their final bite, with a spectacular goal by Newsom. Newsom scored one goal and one assist, but the key player was Rivera who scored the first two goals against the Mounties. “It was a combined effort and the defense played well,” said Tessa Troglia, Huskies head coach.
She also said that it was a good game that allowed her girls to leave their aggression out on the field. It is also a good way to mend things that have been said about the Huskies.“It was a good game and a good win,” said Rojas, who injured herself in the game. She said that she will be close to 100 percent by the next game, and like the rest of the team is focused on the future and not on the Mountie rivalry.
“Were focusing on the next four games, getting a good spot on the playoffs, getting healthy, and finishing the season strong,” said Troglia.
