Lady ‘Balers Can’t Overcome Slow Start, Fall 1-0 to Bulldogs
Morgan Hill – Despite outshooting the Sobrato Bulldogs, 9-4, in the second half of Thursday afternoon’s Tri-County Athletic League matchup, the San Benito Haybalers’ girls soccer team lost 1-0.
A sluggish first half proved to be the ‘Balers’ undoing, as they were unable to get any shots past Bulldogs goalkeeper Katrina Olson.
“We didn’t play a great first half,” said San Benito coach Mike Schurig. “It took a long time to get warmed up and we made a lot of mistakes. We dominated in the second half, but [the Bulldogs] have an excellent goalkeeper on their side.”
Sobrato’s offense started off quick and put pressure on San Benito’s defense. ‘Baler defender Brittany Schurig and goalkeeper Ashley Perreira were able to turn the Bulldogs away in front of the goal, until 10 minutes into the game.
Bulldogs midfielder Jessica Seda made a throw-in from the right sideline to forward Ashley Grose, who dribbled through several ‘Baler defenders and blasted a shot into the right corner of the net to put Sobrato (5-9-1, 3-6 TCAL) up 1-0.
Following the goal, San Benito’s defense stiffened and the Haybalers (4-11-3, 0-8-2, TCAL) were able to move the ball up to their midfielders and forwards, but couldn’t get any open shots at the Bulldogs’ goal and went into halftime trailing by a goal.
“We have a young team, mostly freshmen and sophomores,” said Schurig. “Ashley Perreira did a good job in goal. We were able to keep them to the outside.”
San Benito’s offense put a lot of pressure on Olson in the second half, as ‘Balers Brittany Huth, Rachel Jett and Jaqueline Clayton moved the ball upfield. Each time San Benito found open opportunities to go one-on-one at the goal, the Sobrato’s Olson turned the visitors away.
Brittany Schurig, Nicole Silveria and Sarah Mullen played a good second half of defense for the ‘Balers, as they denied Sobrato any open looks at the goal.
San Benito plays its last two TCAL games at home–against Salinas tomorrow and then Notre Dame on Tuesday.
“We’re hoping to continue to grow. We have to make sure we can start at the first whistle,” said coach Schurig.
