Rico sparks Kelseyville with two goals, Garcia has hat trick for Upper Lake
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LAKEPORT >> Mikaela Rico scored goals in each half as the Kelseyville Knights won their North Central League I opener, beating the Clear Lake Cardinals 2-0 in varsity girls soccer action at Lakeport.
It was the 10th victory of the season for the Knights (1-0, 10-1), who struck early as Rico’s first goal came only four minutes into the game.
“For the rest of the first half the Knights controlled possession and created several opportunities, but the Cardinals’ goalkeeper came up with multiple key saves to keep the game close,” Kelseyville head coach Irma Rodriguez said.
It remained a 1-0 game deep into the second half. The Knights finally picked up a huge insurance goal with 17 minutes remaining, Rico punching another shot into the net off a corner-kick assist from Vanessa Reyes.
“This was a physical game, but the Lady Knights showed resilience, teamwork and trust in one another to secure the win,” Rodriguez said. “The back line – Xiomara Arias, Regina Rico, My Ogo, Arionna Sanderson, Lexi Pantaleon and Evelin Valdovinos – stood strong and kept the Cardinals (0-1, 3-4-1) from finding the net, playing a huge role in the shutout victory.”
“A very tough loss,” Clear Lake head coach Gustavo Carbajal said. “I’m proud of my team for giving it 100 percent. We have several injuries and made some little mistakes that cost us, but we will get there. Our team is very competitive and will make a comeback.”
Said Rodrigurez, “Starting league play with a win sets a strong tone for the season, and we are proud of the way the girls battled together as a team.”
Kelseyville hosts Fort Bragg on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. Clear Lake visits Upper Lake on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m.
In other girls soccer action Thursday:
Upper Lake 3, Lower Lake 2
At Lower Lake, Magdely Garcia’s hat trick powered the Upper Lake Cougars to a league-opening win over the Lower Lake Trojans.
Rylee Zimmerschied assisted on the first of Garcia’s three goals and Alexis Robbins on the second.
Anchoring Upper Lake’s defense were Saphira Hughes, Emily Dalton, Kaylin Smith and Yadira Beecher, according to head coach Kathleen O’Rourke.
“They held the line on defense for nearly the entire 80 minutes, keeping the ball on the Trojans’ half for most of the game,” O’Rourke said. “Leyla Marcks made a strong showing at keeper.”
Upper Lake improved to 2-5 overall.
“Our team has played better every game, and I am excited to see how far we go this season,” O’Rourke said.
Lower Lake scoring was not reported. The Trojans are 1-4-1 overall.
Upper Lake hosts Clear Lake on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. Lower Lake travels to Willits on Tuesday for a 6:45 p.m. game.
Willits 3, Middletown 1
At Willits, the Middletown Mustangs came up short in their league opener against the Willits Wolverines.
Middletown scoring was not reported. The Mustangs are 1-4-1 overall.
