Lady Knights improve to 11-1; Clear Lake edges Upper Lake 2-1 on Cresto goal
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KELSEYVILLE >> Mikaela Rico scored goals in each half as the Kelseyville High School varsity girls soccer team rolled past the Fort Bragg Timberwolves 5-0 in North Central League I action Tuesday at Kelseyville.
Rico opened the scoring just three minutes into the game with an assist from Vanessa Reyes. Five minutes later Banesa Munoz made it a 2-0 game with a “perfectly placed free kick,” according to head coach Irma Rodriguez.
Kelseyville increased its lead to 3-0 on a Reyes goal set up by a Kylee Denham cross.
The Knights (2-0 league, 11-1 overall) picked up two insurance goals in the second half, the first scoring on a Kat Wheelan shot assisted by Munoz, and the second on a Rico goal set up Ximena Rico’s through ball.
“Fort Bragg put up a strong fight and created a few opportunities, but the Lady Knights’ defense held firm,” Rodriguez said.
Kelseyville’s airtight defense was the result of some solid work in the net by keeper Kassandra Rodriguez along with strong play from the defensive line of Xiomara Arias, Arionna Sanderson, Lexxi Pantaleon, Brooke Poff, Mya Ogo and Regina Rico.
“We’re incredibly proud of the Lady Knights,” Rodriguez said. “They continue to play with heart, unity and determination. The second-string players also saw valuable minutes on the field, showing continued growth and effort.”
Rodriguez also gave a shoutout to the Kelseyville High School cheerleaders for their support the sidelines.
In other league action Tuesday:
Clear Lake 2, Upper Lake 1
At Upper Lake, the Clear Lake Cardinals received goals from Hailey Perez (first half) and Kam Cresto (second half) to beat the Upper Lake Cougars.
Magdely Garcia’s goal in the second half pulled Upper Lake into a 1-1 tie, but Cresto’s goal put the Cardinals (1-1, 4-4-1) in front to stay.
“A tough loss at home for us today,” Upper Lake head coach Kathleen O’Rourke said. “Despite keeping consistent pressure in the attacking third we were only able to convert one goal thanks to Magdely Garcia. Being slow in transition play led to two goals by CLHS.”
Added O’Rourke, “I’ proud of how our girls played and I’m hopeful for the rest of league play.”
Clear Lake head coach Gustavo Carbajal praised the play of freshman keeper Amelie Davis.
“Our goalie, Amelie Davis, had several amazing saves,” Carbajal said.
Upper Lake (1-1, 2-6) travels to Kelseyville on Thursday. Clear Lake plays a non-league game Wednesday against Credo in Rohnert Park before returning home Thursday for a league game against Willits at 4:30 p.m.
