Freshman Ally Cherry propels red-hot Mustangs to 4-0 league victory over Willits
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MIDDLETOWN >> Ally Cherry, a freshman, scored two goals to power Middletown High School girls soccer team to a 4-0 victory over the Willits Wolverines, the Mustangs’ fifth North Central League I win in its last six games and its second straight on Tuesday in Middletown.
“It was one of our best offensive and defensive performances all season,” Middletown head coach Lee Hoage said. “The team knew this was a critical home stance and they were locked in the whole game. It was a fun synergy to watch. The passing flow and player movement and spacing worked in unison tonight. It allowed us to control the ball and keep possession.”
Cherry’s first goal, coming 15 minutes into a scoreless game, was set up by a through ball from Thaly Rodriguez down the right side.
“Cherry struck a nice shot that deflected over the keeper’s head,” Hoage said.
Autumn Clark upped Middletown’s lead to 2-0 a short time later with a burst of speed down the left side.
“She sent a beautiful left-foot shot into the right side of the goal,” Hoage said.
The Mustangs (5-2 league, 6-6-1 overall) struck again right before halftime when Clark took a shot and hit the post, which teammate Bella Alcantar rebounded before kicking the ball into the net for a 3-0 lead.
“Willits had a few attacks on offense and put some pressure on us, but we were able to hold out and go into half up 3-0,” Hoage said.
The Wolverine applied plenty of pressure early in the second half only to be denied each and every time by the Middletown defense and keeper Allyson Pina.
“She played solid in goal,” Hoage said of Pina.
Middletown picked up an insurance goal midway through the second half when Cherry took a long shot from near the center half circle.
“It was a powerful shot that surprised the keeper and everyone,” Hoage said. “It sailed over the keeper.”
Hoage said all pieces of Middletown’s game came together in the win.
“There was a focused cerebral element to it all,” Hoage said. “Our players were seeing the field differently and executing sequences with thought, precision and anticipation. The timing of runs, passes and support carried through both halves.”
Middletown fell 3-1 at Willits when the teams met last month, a game the Wolverines dominated, according to Hoage.
“So, this was a stance we needed at home,” Hoage said. “There were some key players that we had to mark tightly and we did.”
There were several standouts for the Mustangs, according to Hoage.
“Karina Lopez sr. and Sophie Yebra Sr. anchored the defense and made it tough for Willits,” Hoage said. “Karina’s work rate in the stopper position was excellent tonight. She moved up on offense to create pressure and give ball support and then retreated back to help secure the defense and clear balls. Sophie’s reads, reactions and defensive coverage were dialed in.”
Clark’s strong skills on offense were another factor as was the play of center midfielder Diana Montes, according to Hoage.
“She continues to effectively win balls and then transitions the ball through the midfield, changing directions and switching the field of play with her dribbles and her mix of service balls,” Hoage said of Montes. She set an important tone and tempo to the game all night.”
Added Middletown assistant coach Mason Edwards, “The girls played really well tonight, advancing the ball and passing as a collective team. A huge spotlight to keeper Allyson Pina for dealing with major pressure.”
Middletown is off Thursday and returns to action Tuesday at home against Fort Bragg at 6:15 p.m.
In other NCL I girls action Tuesday:
Kelseyville 4, Clear Lake 1
At Kelseyville, following a four-goal outing in a 5-4 win at Lower Lake on Thursday, Kelseyville junior Mikaela Rico finished with a hat track in a home victory over the Clear Lake Cardinals.
Rico scored all three of her goals in the first half as the undefeated league leaders went up 3-0.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls,” Kelseyville head coach Irma Rodriguez said. “They played with heart, stayed composed, and trusted each other. When we play together like that great things happen.”
Kylee Denham assisted Rico on her first goal. Vanessa Reyes’ corner kick set up Rico again a few minutes later as the Knights (7-0 league, 17-1 overall) went up 2-0.
Xiomara Arias worked the ball up the field to lay the groundwork for Rico’s third goal.
Clear Lake’s Hailee Perez knocked in a throw-in to cut Kelseyville’s lead to 3-1 early in the second half. Kelseyville answered a few minutes later with a Denham goal.
“The Cardinals continued to battle, taking several shots on goal, but goalkeeper Kassandra Rodriguez made crucial saves to preserve the Knights’ lead,” Rodriguez said. “The Lady Cardinals played a physical and determined match, but the Lady Knights’ focus, composure and teamwork proved too strong, resulting in a well-earned victory for Kelseyville.”
Rodriguez credited the support the Knights received from parents and other fans with the team’s effective play.
“I want to give a big shout-out to the parents and fans. Their support means so much to the team and truly makes a difference every game,” Rodriguez said.
Clear Lake is 2-5 in league and 6-9-1 overall.
Kelseyville is on the road Friday to play Fort Bragg while Clear Lake hosts Upper Lake.
Lower Lake 4, Upper Lake 1
At Upper Lake, after just missing against Kelseyville last week at home, the Lower Lake Trojans finally nailed down their first league win, knocking off the Upper Lake Cougars behind two goals from Crystal Montanez.
Laylony Barocio and Aleah Garcia also scored for the Trojans (1-5-1, 2-8-2), the latter goal coming on a penalty kick.
Upper Lake scoring wasn’t reported. The Cougars fell to 1-6 in league and 3-12 overall.
Upper Lake hosts Clear Lake on Thursday while is home to face Willits.