After going up 5-0, coach rests stars in second half
Since taking over as coach of the Gilroy Mustangs women’s soccer
team this year, Adam Gemar has heard all about the two phenomenal
forwards playing for the San Benito Haybalers.
Since taking over as coach of the Gilroy Mustangs women’s soccer team this year, Adam Gemar has heard all about the two phenomenal forwards playing for the San Benito Haybalers.
Gemar heard Rose Vandenberg’s scoring touch was deadly and Maheu’s quickness and speed were blinding. Monday evening at Andy Hardin Stadium he got a close look at just how good they are.
In the Haybalers’ 7-0 win over the Mustangs, Vandenberg and Maheu combined for four goals and one assist – all before halftime.
“We worked together and didn’t give up,” said Mustang forward Diana Hovey. “We played hard.”
The Haybalers attacked the Mustangs’ goalie early and often. Kory Case’s goal four minutes in to the game immediately put Gilroy on the defensive. The early goal allowed the Haybalers to pressure the Gilroy ball handlers and create turnovers so Vandenberg could operate.
The sophomore booted home her 36th goal of the year 10 minutes after Case’s.
“Our passing was not there,” Gemar said. “It’s something we need to work on.”
The quick strikes by Hollister also left the Mustangs’ coach in an unenviable position.
Should he move up a defensive player to put more pressure on the Hollister goalie, or sit pat and try to defend the Haybalers’ potent offense?
Gemar chose the latter, but it did not matter. Maheu’s blast in the 27th minute was followed by Vandenberg’s third goal of the day nine minutes later. Maheu’s goal was her 24th of the year, while her lone assist was her 10th.
Armed with a healthy 5-0 halftime lead, Haybaler coach Mike Schurig played his reserves and rested Vandenberg, Maheu and a bulk of the defensive unit. The Haybaler reserves tacked on two more goals and put the game way out of reach.
Despite Vandenberg’s hat trick and Maheu’s goal, assist and general good play, Gemar said he did not see what all the fuss is about.
“I knew they had two really good players, but I just didn’t see it out there,” Gemar said. “What I saw was a team beating us, not two individual players.”
Gemar was partly right. Hollister’s cooperative effort beat the Mustangs. San Benito passed and defended well. However, the individual plays of Vandenberg and Maheu are what makes this team a success.
The win improved the Haybalers’ overall record to 8-3-2 and its Tri County League record to 1-0-1, while the Mustangs fell to 1-6 overall and 0-2 in league.
Today the Haybalers host the North Salinas Vikings, who are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Live Oak Acorns. The Vikings are currently 0-2 in league play and can conceivably walk away from today’s game 0-3.
Wednesday the Mustangs hope to get their season on track when they host the Vikings at 3:30 p.m.
