Mikaela Rico scores four goals in first half as Kelseyville improves to 4-1-1
TOMALES >> Despite a determined defensive effort by the Tomales Braves, the Kelseyville High School girls soccer team settled down midway through the first half and went on to win 6-0 in non-league action Thursday at Tomales.
Mikaela Rico scored all four of Kelseyville’s first-half goals although the Braves managed to keep the Knights (4-1-1) off the scoreboard until the 23rd minute.
“The first 30 minutes of the game I felt like we were a little all over the place and just couldn’t seem to settle into our rhythm,” Kelseyville head coach Irma Rodriguez said. “Tomales came out playing a very defensive game and put up a really good fight, making us work for every opportunity.”
After Rico broke up the shutout with her first goal, she struck again a few minutes later. Her third goal, assisted by Kylee Denham, made it 3-0. Dezi Anderson assisted Rico’s fourth goal, giving the Knights a 4-0 halftime lead.
Kelseyville wasted no time adding to its lead in the second half as Jacky Chavez scored with an assist from Vanessa Reyes. Ten minutes later it was Chavez taking a pass from Lilly Rodriguez and scoring again to make it 6-0.
“The Tomales Braves never backed down,” Rodriguez said. “They continued to fight and compete all the way to the final whistle, and we want to give them credit for the effort they put into the game.”
Standouts for the Knights on the defensive end were Lexxi Pantaleon, Brooke Poff, Ximena Herren, Dakota Burton Ana Gutierrez and Hiliana Rico, according to Rodriguez.
“They did a great job helping control the field and keeping the pressure on throughout the game,” Rodriguez said of her midfielders and defenders. “We are really proud of this team.”
Kelseyville is on the road again Friday to play Credo at 4 p.m.