The high school girls soccer team opened the fall season with a 3-1 win at home against Stayton.
“We didn’t play too bad,” said Coach Ramiro Santana. “Actually, we did all right. They were all pretty nervous and excited – the first game.”
Katie Virtue led the team, scoring three goals.
She scored her first in about the minute 25, while Stayton scored its only goal five minutes later.
She scored her second goal to go ahead about 10 minutes into the second half. Megan Rubidoux shot the ball across the field to her and Virtue took it in. About 10 minutes later she scored again from the left side on a pass from Jessika Stewart.
Virtue took six or seven shots on goal, sending the ball just over the goal, Santana said. “She had so many shots, eventually one would have to go in. We were not pressured that much.”
Total, the Huskies had about 23 shots on goal, while Stayton shot about 12 times, with four close ones, including one off the post and a score.
“We’ve been practicing the quick pass,” Santana said. The idea is to hold the ball less than three seconds and advance it to a teammate. “They’re pretty fast.”
The Huskies are still working out their defense from a large group of forwards, Santana said. They’ll be switching around the field in upcoming games, but Rubidoux and Sabrina Davis can both play any position, including defense.
The forwards playing on defense are backed by Maghan O’Donnell and Christina Ulmer, Santana said, and Davis is providing strong leadership there. He expects Rosanna Sullivan to contribute on defense too.
Rachel Jones, a left-footer who transferred from Lebanon, will compliment Virtue, also a left-footer, challenging most opponents.
Goalie Kristen Tolle didn’t have too much to do in the game, Santana said. She had six saves, with Stayton scoring one goal against her.
The team still hasn’t played everyone as much as Santana would like, he said, but he is happy to have some depth.
“I feel pretty good,” Santana said. “We expect to do better. There’s some things we’re working on this week. The girls are looking good but we’re still kind of green.”
Santana announced the addition of a new coach, Roberto Garcia, a high school Spanish teacher. Garcia will coach the junior varsity.