Gilroy defeats Condors 3-0
Gilroy – The Gilroy High girls soccer team set the pace with two first-half goals Thursday and coasted to a 3-0 victory over North Monterey.
The Mustangs, who are still learning how to play together during preseason injuries and ineligibilities have kept several players out of the lineup, finally had some added depth.
“We’re still a little banged up right now,” said Mustang coach Jose Hernandez. “We had a deeper bench this time. We’re still trying to get to know each other and work on our communication.”
North Monterey (2-5) had chances to score but the Gilroy defense stepped up.
“We have been playing a lot of A-League teams,” Hernandez said. “We still have some things we need to work on. We didn’t play up to our full potential tonight.”
Amanda Bruce got the Mustangs (2-2) on the board in the first half after winning the ball at the 18 and dribbling in for the score.
Ariana Vera scored the second goal shortly before the half on a long cross. Vera was able to deke the goalie out for the score.
The Mustangs added an insurance goal in the final minutes of the game. Nubia Diaz de Leon worked her way through the middle and scored in similar fashion to the way Bruce did earlier.
“I was looking to pass, but I saw the space and took it,” Diaz de Leon said. “We were ready mentally for the game. We were talking well on the field. We saw the problems and fixed them.”
After coming off a 5-0 loss to Presentation last week, the Mustangs responded with the shutout.
“We were more relaxed this time, and we were moving the ball well,” said Gilroy sweeper Cheyenne Strametz. “We just played smarter than last time.”
JV: Gilroy and North Monterey County battled to a scoreless tie.
