Marauders young but learning
Monache falls 1-0 to El Diamante
It’s early, but by their record alone Monache High School girls soccer is starting off better than they did last season.
The 2017-18 season started off rough for the Marauders with the team going 0-5-2 through their first seven games. But this season with another half underclassmen team, Monache is 3-3-1 after suffering a 1-0 loss to fellow CIF Central Section Division II team, the Miners of El Diamante, Tuesday at home.
“I think we’re doing alright,” MHS head coach Tino Rodriguez said about his young squad. “We’re trying different things. As you’ve noticed, my goalie’s a freshman and she’s doing an amazing job. But I have [freshman Adriana] Martinez, I have [freshman Izabelah] Berrones. I have some good players. Just they’re young, and I’m trying to get them some playing time so they get that experience and everything else.”
Monache goalkeeper, Alyna Gonzalez, and a Marauders defense anchored by captains, junior Zoe Rios and senior Mikayli Moore, were able to hold off the Miners from scoring again after giving up a goal in the 21st
minute of the game.
“Defensively, midfield, I think we’re pretty solid,” Rodriguez said. “It’s just trying to put the ball in the net.”
Monache’s strongest and best chance at a score came in the 30th minute when Alexandria Rivas’ throw-in was kicked back to her by an El Diamante player and the sophomore took a shot from just inside the penalty box. The Marauders had some other chances but they couldn’t seem to make the last step necessary for a quality shot.
“Unfortunately we didn’t get many opportunities,” Rodriguez said. “It’s trying to try different people, and unfortunately I have some people sick too.”
Despite the loss, Rodriguez had nothing but positive things to say about his team as he and his coaches continue to see improvement.
“I’m really looking forward to this season,” Rodriguez said. “We have some games coming up for us. Unfortunately last year we didn’t have enough but this year we do, and we’re going to make these games count for league. Cause that’s our goal. Our goal is to do as best as we can in league and then we’ll see what happens.”
Monache’s next game is at 3 p.m. on Friday against Foothill in the first day of the South Bakersfield High School tournament. The team has another two games in December before beginning East Yosemite League play Friday, Jan. 4 against Tulare Union.