NCL I co-leaders meet Thursday in Kelseyville as first half of league play ends
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MIDDLETOWN >> Mikaela Rico added another hat trick to her career resumé Tuesday evening as the Kelseyville Knights set the stage for their Thursday showdown against Lower Lake with a 5-0 victory over the Middletown Mustangs in North Central League I girls soccer action at Bill Foltmer Field.
Kelseyville (6-0 league, 12-1-1 overall) won its ninth straight game. The Knights, defending NCL I champions, close out the first half of their league schedule Thursday at home against Lower Lake, also 6-0 in the NCL I standings. Action begins at 4:30 p.m.
“We had a good game today and came out ready to play,” Kelseyville head coach Irma Rodriguez said of the Knights’ quick start.
Rico scored just minutes into the game with an assist from Hiliana Rico. Hiliana Rico also assisted on a Kylee Denham goal that made it 2-0 at the half.
“Middletown put up a good fight and created some opportunities,” Rodriguez said of the Mustangs (2-4, 6-8). “They sent some good shots toward goal, but Grace Hobbs came up with some strong saves for us. Our defense did a great job staying strong and stopping Middletown’s runs.”
Hiliana Rico’s goal in the second half boosted Kelseyville’s lead to 3-0. Mikaela Rico scored the team’s final two goals.
“Our defense deserves a lot of credit for the shutout,” Rodriguez said. “Ximena Herren had a strong first half, and Vanessa Reyes stepped up in the second half. Dakota Burton, Lexxi Pantaleon, Ana Garcia, Brooke Poff and Lilly Rodriguez also contributed defensively and did a good job stopping runs and making things difficult for Middletown around the box.”
Hobbs and Andrea Jimenez split time at keeper for Kelseyville, Hobbs playing the first half and Jimenez the second half.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Knights, according to Rodriguez.
“There was a moment in the game where we got a little out of sync, but I was proud of how the girls were able to reset, settle back down and continue playing our game,” Rodriguez said. “That’s something we continue to work on … staying composed, communicating and not letting those moments take us out of our game.”
Added Rodriguez, “Credit to Middletown for putting up a good fight and continuing to play hard throughout the game.”
Lower Lake 3, Clear Lake 1
At Lower Lake, Juliza Sevilla scored goals in each half as the Lower Lake Trojans (6-0, 10-3-1) kept pace with Kelseyville atop the league standings while dealing Clear Lake (3-3, 10-3-1) a loss that seriously jeopardizes the Cardinals’ title chances.
Lower Lake opened up a 2-0 lead on the strength of goals by Sevilla and Lorena Inong, both assisted by Evelyn Vargas. Sevilla put the game away with her second goal, which was assisted by Zully Esquivel.
Sellena Carbajal scored for Clear Lake with an assist from Jeanette Luevano.
“Today’s game was tough, and Lakeport never gave up, so we had to keep a steady pace to beat them today,” Lower Lake head coach Ana Duran said.
“It was a hard loss,” Clear Lake head coach Gustavo Carbajal said.
While Lower Lake travels to Kelseyville on Thursday for a first-place showdown with the Knights at 4:30 p.m., Clear Lake closes out the first half of its league schedule in Fort Bragg at 4:30 p.m.
Cloverdale 1, Upper Lake 0
At Cloverdale, Upper Lake keeper Charlie Robbins logged nine saves, but the Cougars were shut out by the Cloverdale Eagles.
“Midfielders Alexis Robbins, Rylee Zimmerschied, Maci Robbins and Avelia Brady did a great job of winning the ball and getting it to our stickers to mount an attack,” Upper Lake head coach Jim Keck said. “Upper Lake had many good opportunities with runs by Portia Kliker and Magdely Garcia.”
Added Keck, “Cloverdale’s goalkeeper had several one-on-one great saves versus the Upper Lake attackers.”
Upper Lake, now 1-5 in league and 1-11 overall, is on the road Thursday to play Middletown at 4:30 p.m.
