Vikings can’t cut ties in third game
Prep girls soccer: Valencia still searching for first outright win after tying Sierra Vista
Valencia girls soccer has played three games this season – and every game has ended in a draw.
On Wednesday night at home, the Vikings fought to a 1-1 score against Sierra Vista of Baldwin Park despite an offensive push in the last 15 minutes of play.
“I think in that last 15 minutes, it was a lot of energy from the people but we couldn’t quite finish it, but hopefully in the future we can make those plays,” said senior forward Autumn Moore.
Moore scored the first goal of the night near the 33rd minute of the first half. She nabbed a through ball from a midfielder and shot it. The Dons’ keeper had the initial save, but dropped the ball for Moore to send into the net.
The Vikes (0-0-3) were able to hold Sierra Vista (1-0-1) scoreless for the remainder of the opening half, but Sierra Vista broke through in the 12th minute of the second frame.
The goal woke up Valencia’s defense though, who tightened up and gave the offense plenty of opportunities as the night wore on.
“I think they picked up the intensity because they really didn’t want to lose, didn’t want to let in a goal,” said Moore. “The defense did a really good job of talking together and moving the ball up and moving it with each other faster and just overall staying in position better.”
As the final 15 minutes ticked down, the Vikings couldn’t capitalize on scoring chances off of corner kicks, but managed to take shots from just about every angle.
It’s part of the learning process for the Vikings. The team lost 10 players this season, some due to graduation and others due to opting to play academy soccer year-round.
“We have a lot of youngers and a lot of olders and they’re just trying to learn how to play with each other,” said coach Kevin Goralsky. “When we pass the ball, we can move it but like I said, just trying to figure each other out.”
Valencia next plays Ventura at home on Thursday at 5 p.m.