After a disappointing opening to the season, Women's Soccer flips the script, dominates the Vaqueros.
By Sean Scully, Staff Writer
After the most successful offensive performance of the season, Valley College women’s soccer team obliterated Glendale 8-0.
The Monarchs (5-8-2 overall, 2-5 Western State South) looked like a top-tier team Tuesday afternoon and took advantage of the Vaqueros’ poor ball handling and lack of offensive pressure. From the starting whistle, Valley controlled the ball and took 21 shots on goal in the first half while Glendale struggled to find a shot. Within 30 minutes of the first half, the home team led 3-0.
“It’s a nice change to be up by this much,” said Monarch associate head coach Melissa Fernandez. “I’m glad my girls are taking chances on the goal.”
Goals by Karen Hernandez, Katherine Lopez, Angie Diaz, and Melanie Velasquez gave the Monarchs a 5-0 lead at the end of the first half.
“Don’t be complacent,” said Monarch associate head Coach Greg Venger to his team at halftime. “We have to continue to be up tempo and move the ball. It’s great to be up by five, but there’s still work that we need to do.”
At the start of the second half, Valley continued with the same sense of urgency and aggressiveness. The Vaqueros lacked hustle and energy which led the Monarchs to move the ball up field with ease. Valley put up 14 shots in the second half while Glendale failed to take a shot.
“I was glad we had some new goal scorers today,” said Monarch assistant coach Stacey Rodwell. “Our Captain Emily Arzeta had an ACL tear last year and was out for the season. We moved her from the back to the midfield and she got her first goal of the season.”
Valley College’s Melanie Velasquez recorded three goals, Karen Hernandez scored twice and assisted on three other goals, and Emily Arzeta put up one goal with one assist.
The Monarchs exploited the Vaqueros’ inaccurate passes and often won contested balls.
“There’s a lot of positives that we can take away from today’s game,” coach Rodwell said. “Our communication was great. We rotated perfectly, and we had great one-touch passes which we haven’t seen consistently for 90 minutes. I think that just fuels confidence.”
Valley will visit College of the Canyons Friday at 6 p.m. The Monarchs plan to even the score against the Cougars.