Barry lifts Alta Loma over Claremont in Palomares opener

Southern California News Group

Alta Loma girls soccer coach Ben Davies had resigned to accepting a scoreless draw Monday.

“I thought we were going to draw, to be honest,” Davies said. “It’s one of those battles against Claremont that happens every year.”

But off a scramble from an initial pass from senior Kendall Campbell, freshman Rachyl Barry scored past goalkeeper Elaina Mcguire in the final minute to lift the Braves to a 1-0 victory over Claremont in a Palomares League opener Monday night.

“She gives defenders headaches,” Davies said of Barry. “She’s got a lot of pace. She works really hard, which goes a long way. She finds herself in the right spot at the right time. It’s kind of how that goal ended up for her. Next thing you knew, the ball was on her foot and she tucked it away. You don’t see a lot of freshmen scoring game-winning goals in league.”

Barry, who came in as a substitute in each half, created scoring opportunities for Alta Loma (5-0-1 overall) with her speed down the right flank.

But this time, she was on the receiving end of a scoring opportunity.

“Kendall made a lovely run down the line,” Barry said. “She crossed it, deflected off the defenders. (I) came out, I just touched around and shot it right in.”

With the scoreboard clock stopped at 2 minutes, as is the standard since official time is kept on the field, Barry said she knew there might only be one more chance.

“I was like, ‘All right guys, we got this.’ When

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Barry

Kendall made that run, I said, ‘OK, it’s time.’ And it was time, and it went in,” Barry said.

It was the second goal of Barry’s high school career. Had she not scored, the game would have ended in a tie. The league played overtime last year, but eliminated the extra period this season.

It was a disappointing finish for Claremont (4-3-2), which finished tied for the league title last year with Alta Loma. The teams split a pair of 1-0 games last season and in fact, six straight matchups between the teams have finished 1-0.

“I’m disappointed. I thought we played well. I thought our defense did a good job, especially on (Campbell),” said Nicole Giles, who is in her first year as Claremont’s head coach after taking over for Tim Tracey. “It’s weird to play the first league game on a Monday.”

It’s also not easy to open league against an opponent like Alta Loma, but there are benefits for the Wolfpack, Giles said.

“You have a better idea where you’re at and what you need to work on,” she said.

Alta Loma controlled the ball far more than Claremont and had 13 shot attempts and four corner kicks, compared to just four shots and no corner kicks for the Wolfpack. Austyn Brooks and Keira Patterson each played a half in goal for Alta Loma, and each made one save. Mcguire made four saves for Claremont.

“I thought we were very organized defensively,” Davies said. “We had a little bit of a tough time dealing with their left winger in the first half, but I thought we were much better in the second half. Claremont every year, it’s a battle.”