Middletown snaps Kelseyville’s seven-game shutout streak
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MIDDLETOWN >> Building a 3-0 lead, the Kelseyville Knights weathered a two-goal surge by the Middletown Mustangs late in the first half before posting a 5-2 victory in North Central League I girls soccer action Tuesday in Middletown.
“The Lady Knights had an outstanding game this evening against the Lady Mustangs, showing teamwork, determination and plenty of heart,” Kelseyville head coach Irma Rodriguez said.
A Kat Wheelan header to teammate Mikaela Rico set up the game’s first score as Rico pressured her way through the Middletown defense to score. Just four minutes later Banesa Munoz made a perfect pass to Yuri Montero, who made a clean run at the goal to give Kelseyville (5-0 league, 15-1 overall) a 2-0 lead.
Munoz intercepted a Middletown pass late in the first half and launched a long shot that soared into the net for a 3-0 Knights lead.
Middletown then answered with back-to-back Autumn Clark goals against a Kelseyville defense that had shut out its previous seven opponents, cutting the lead to 3-2 by halftime.
“The second half was a physical fight on both sides of the field, but the Lady Knights stayed composed and refused to let the Mustangs gain momentum,” Rodriguez said.
The score remained 3-2 until the 58th minute when Vanessa Reyes battled a Middletown player for a loose ball in front of the goal. Her first shot was blocked, but Reyes gathered the rebound and drilled a second-chance shot into the net to make it 4-2.
Five minutes later Munoz sealed the game with by driving a long shot over the Middletown keeper’s head.
Kelseyville’s defense took it from there, according to Rodriguez.
“Regina Rico, Xiomara Arias, Arionna Sanderso, Mya Ogo and Evelyn Valdovinos all played outstanding in the back line, keeping Middletown from creating many chances and protecting the win,” Rodriguez said.
“This victory was a true team effort, with every player contributing to the result,” Rodriguez added.
Middletown scoring wasn’t reported. The Mustangs are 3-2 in league and 4-6-1 overall.
Both teams are on the road Thursday for 4:30 p.m. games. Kelseyville visits Lower Lake while Middletown travels to Upper Lake.
In other girls soccer action Thursday:
Clear Lake 4, Lower Lake 1
At Lakeport, the Clear Lake Cardinals received goals from Hailee Garcia, Aleeya Bondi, Maggie Paarsch and Giselle Carbajal in beating the Lower Lake Trojans in NCL I action.
Garcia’s goal staked Clear Lake (2-3, 5-7-1) to a 1-0 halftime lead.
“The girls played their hearts out,” Clear Lake head coach Gustavo Carbajal said. “We finally had a game with all of our injured played back. We are finally back in the groove of things.”
Clear Lake hosts Point Arena in a non-league game Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. The Cardinals resume league play Thursday in Fort Bragg at 5 p.m.
Upper Lake 3, Roseland Collegiate Prep 1
At Santa Rosa, the Upper Lake Cougars defeated the Roseland Collegiate Prep Grizzlies in non-league action.
“Finally, the teamwork seems to be coming together for the Cougars,” Upper Lake head coach Kathleen O’Rourke said. “After a tough start to league play, we were able to settle into a good offensive rhythm, leading to first-half goals from Lexy Peregrina and Grace Abreu.”
Leyla Marcks blocked a penalty kick in the second half for Upper Lake to keep the game scoreless. Although Roseland Collegiate Prep scored a few minutes later to make it 2-1, the Cougars’ Magdely Garcia answered with a goal of her own to give the Cougars a bit of breathing room.
“Overall, I was proud of how the team worked together and communicated,” O’Rourke said. “We’ve had a challenging few games, but we seem to have found a good rhythm.”
Upper Lake (3-10) hosts Middletown on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
