Under-18 girls soccer squad opens season in Surf Challenge Cup, goes 2-2
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FOLSOM >> The Konocti United under-18 girls soccer team placed second in the Surf Challenge Cup on Saturday and Sunday in Folsom. It was the first tournament this year for the squad as it posted a 2-2 record.
Konocti United fell 2-1 to North State Soccer in the first of its two games Saturday. After falling behind 1-0 in the first half, Hailey Perez scored to tie it up before halftime.
“We started out a little slow, but Hailey Perez scored to tie the game just before halftime and helped settle us in,” assistant coach Rebecca Joyce said.
The team bounced back with a 4-0 win over Sierra Surf SC behind Miki Rico’s hat trick and another goal from Aleeya Bondi. Kylee Denham had an assist.
Returning to the field Sunday, Konocti United beat top-seeded Blues FC 1-0 on a Denham free kick in the first half.
“Our defense held strong through the second half to secure the shutout,” Joyce said.
A second straight win earned Konocti United another shot at North State Soccer, this time in the championship game.
“By that point we were dealing with some fatigue and injuries, but the girls never stopped competing,” Joyce said of the team’s 3-0 loss.
The play of keeper Kassandra Rodriguez was a strength for Konocti United in all four of its games, according to Joyce.
“She had a standout tournament and made a number of key saves throughout the weekend to keep us in every match,” Joyce said.
Konocti United’s head coach is Flavio Arias.
