Girls’ soccer slide
After twin 2- 0 drubbings by Sonoma Academy and Analy High School last week, UHS girls soccer team is saddled with an 0-5 record in the rough Oak Division of the North Bay League (NBL).
To the rhythmic sounds of Dick Dale and the Deltones’ Surfin’ Safari in the background — circa 1950s — amidst the SoCal surfing craze era; the Wildcat Ladies warmed up on a rainslick field with their green practice jerseys rippling from the frosty wind. That night would produce the first Ukiah Valley snow fall of the year and marked another chilly period for the varsity soccer team.
Coach Adriane Bray’s charges came into the tilt with an 0-3 league record, but 5-5-2 overall.
Two strong outings early in the season were tying Santa Rosa HS, 1-1 on January 7th and losing to mighty Montgomery only 0-1. Santa Rosa is atop the Redwood Division (NBL) at 5- 4-2 now; and Montgomery is the defending Oak Division champ (10-3 this year). In a race for the playoffs, these contests could weigh heavily for the Wildcat Ladies. They have prevailed in nearly all the nonleague games this year, but have recorded a woeful 0-5 against the Oak opponents.
Sonoma Academy is a Coach Chris Ziemerled team with a 9-1-2 (1-1-1-league) record coming into the January 15th contest.
They fattened up on mediocre teams to achieve this enviable record (9- 0 vs. Healdsburg, 9- 0 vs. El Molino, 6- 0 vs. Bay School, and 6- 0 vs. San Domingo). More relevantly, they tied Windsor and Petaluma, and beat Casa Grande and Analy HS. So, this appeared to be a fair contest between two very different clubs.
Sonoma Academy is a rare elite academy of 300 students- tuition about $38,000 annually for a high school education. (Check out the web site for further details).
The Ziemer pedigree is a Sonoma County hybrid hatched early at Sonoma State University (mens/womens soccer) sprinkled amply throughout Montgomery High School and now, Sonoma Academy. Grandfather, Bob St. Clair ( NFL football hall of fame and standout SF 49er tackle6’9”). Christopher recruits for US Soccer and with brothers Benjamin, Andrew and Marcus has powerfully led the soccer fraternity throughout the region and north state.
But, the Coyotes were nonplussed in the first half, scoring only one goal at the 26 minute mark on a free kick about 35 yards out from the UHS goal. Halftime was a revelation, as Coach Bray layed out a reasonable argument for our ladies to fiercely compete and win the contest. Players noticed that the Coyote goal was unprotected except for the keeper, and that they were vulnerable as she cleared from missed goal attempts. Our girls were out-muscling theirs and we could physically dominate; “put your shoulders on them; don’t just run alongside them. And, be aware that your speed and momentum carries the ball through them for opportunities. Demand the ball, and let the ball work for us.” A
convincing talk through for our team to rally for at least a tie.
But after a 5 minute flurry of action in the Sonoma’s red zone by Ukiah, with Avery P and Payton T doing the heavy lifting with multiple shots close in; the Sonoma Academy second goal came in with 20 minutes to play in the second half. A big left footed rocket to an indefensible spot high in the upper right corner did the damage, and 2- 0 was the final, with the defenses holding forth equally throughout the final 20 minutes. Unfortunately for the home team, the offense could not penetrate the Son. Academy’s defense. Again, the Lady Cats have excelled against nonleague teams with 18 goals scored for; and 21 goals against. In league, we are yet to score, having given up 13 goals against.
Starting strikers for the game Wildcats were: Senior, Audrey Van Patten, Frosh Payton Torres, Jr. Sophie Huff, soph Payton O’Ferrell, and Jr. Avery Pittman. Other starters: last year first team all-leagueJr. Bella Loflin, last year second team all-league Jr. Jordan Van Camp, Jr. Lindsay Giglio, Sr. Taylor Dale, Frosh Audrey Rhodes, and keeper Soph. Tavia Ramos. Obviously, this is a very young squad.
Here’s coach Adriane Bray’s remarks: “We’re starting to play with more confidence on offense so that has turned our field around for better. I think at this point we are our own worst enemies. Mentally we have to play consistently for two halves and not let down if we get scored on.”
In the upcoming week, UHS LadyCats: get Cardinal Newman away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, Windsor at home on Thursday, Jan. 23, and Montgomery away on Tuesday, Jan. 28.