‘Baler Girls Fight way to 2-2 tie in season-opener at Monte
Vista Christian
The San Benito girls soccer team kicked off its season playing to a 2-2 tie against host Monte Vista Christian in a non-league match on Tuesday.
“We’re developing a young squad,” said Haybalers coach Mike Schurig. “We came out good, but there are things to work on.”
Monte Vista Christian struck first in the 22nd minute of the first half as a Mustangs player scored amidst traffic and confusion in front of the goal.
Brittany Huth answered for the ‘Balers, connecting on a penalty kick to tie the score at 1-1 after teammate Ashton Gonzales was knocked down in front of the goal by a Mustang defender. San Benito was awarded a penalty kick for the foul.
San Benito came out after halftime and scored seven minutes into the second half as Gonzales dribbled past several defenders and drilled the ball into the left corner, bouncing off the post and into the goal to give the ‘Balers a 2-1 lead.
San Benito’s defense went to work and shut the Mustangs’ offense down until the 71st minute when Monte Vista Christian scored to tie the score at 2-2.
“Monte Vista Christian really dominated in the second half and we did a good job of shutting them down,” said Schurig. “They definitely out shot us. We tried to make a push toward the end but it ended in a tie.”
Ashley Perreira had 10 saves in goal for the ‘Balers and handled the Mustangs’ offensive surge, covering seven of their 11 shots on goal in the second half.
San Benito’s offense fired seven shots on the Mustangs goal in the game.
“This was our first game and we’ve only had about 10 days of practice,” said Schurig. “Hopefully we can make some adjustments and get ready for Thursday.”
The ‘Balers host Seaside on Thursday and will then participate in a TCAL jamboree on Saturday at North Salinas.
