Eureka beats Kelseyville 1-0 in North Coast Section Division 1 championship game
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KELSEYVILLE >> The Eureka Loggers scored only once against a tough Kelseyville defense but once was enough Wednesday night in the North Coast Section Division 3 girls soccer championship game at Kelseyville High School.
Sophomore Lola Distefano’s free kick angled into the top corner of the goal, out of reach of Kelseyville keeper Grace Hobbs, midway through the first half to lift the Loggers (13-3-1) to a victory over Kelseyville (21-2-1), snapping the Knights’ 18-game winning streak and denying them the first section soccer championship in school history.
“It was a tough loss tonight, but both teams came out and played a hard-fought game,” Kelseyville head coach Irma Rodriguez said.
It was the second straight year Eureka ended Kelseyville’s season with a loss. A year ago it was the Loggers beating the Knights 3-2 in a double-overtime semifinal battle in Kelseyville.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t the outcome we had hoped for, but one game does not define this team or how far they’ve come,” Rodriguez said. “Every single player deserves recognition for the heart, determination and hard work they left on the field tonight.”
Kelseyville, the two-time North Central League I champion, just missed tying the game later in the first half on a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar and back into the field of the play where it bounced around in front of the net before the Loggers knocked it away. Both keepers – Kelseyville’s Hobbs and Eureka’s Peyton Graney – saved shots during the game that appeared earmarked for the net.
Eureka kept the pressure on Kelseyville’s defense for much of the second half. Kelseyville did have a few opportunities, but Eureka’s defense was up to the task as well.
“Coming into the second half both teams continue to battle,” Rodriguez said. “Our Lady Knights’ defense stepped up, shutting down several of Eureka’s attacking runs. Goalkeeper Grace Hobbs stood strong in goal, denying every shot that came her way in the second half.”
Added Rodriguez, “Despite creating some great scoring opportunities, the Lady Knights just couldn’t find the back of the net.”
Kelseyville received the runner-up pennant and runner-up medals following the game. Eureka took possession of its fifth Division 1 championship pennant in the last six years and sixth overall. Loggers players also received medals as well as the section championship plaque.
The Knights have gone 43-4-1 in the last two seasons under Rodriguez, including 26-0 in league play. The Knights graduate seven players, including top scorer Mikaela Rico, Kylee Denham, Vanessa Reyes and Hobbs.
“These girls have battled, grown and accomplished so much together,” Rodriguez said. “They have given us countless reasons to be proud, and tonight is no different. The scoreboard may say we lost, but in our eyes, these Lady Knights are still winners.”
