Barnes nets game-winner off pass from Gilroy teammate Derry
SALINAS – The DeAnza Flash’s garlic connection of Brittany Barnes and Cayla Derry, of Gilroy, came through in the clutch for their select soccer club – connecting for the game-winner in Sunday’s consolation game of the District II Cup in Salinas.
After 80 minutes of scoreless soccer between the Flash and the Burligame Blazers, the game was finally decided 15 minutes into overtime when Barnes headed in the decisive goal off a feed from Derry. The thrilling victory earned the Flash third place in the prestigious tournament. The locally-based ballers received a trophy and medals to bring home to Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill.
The 13-player Flash squad took advantage of the small fields on the North High campus – controlling the ball with precision passing to generate a slew of scoring opportunities.
The Flash opened against the Los Gatos Magic on Saturday morning – coming from behind for a 2-1 victory. Trailing 1-0 in the first half after allowing a penalty shot goal, DeAnza’s Kelly Logan pushed one tied the score with a strike five minutes later. The go-ahead goal came off a heads-up play by Barnes – who followed teammate Trish Dunwoodie’s shot off the post and touched in the rebound. In the second half, netminder Melanie Regan preserved the opening win with a diving save.
Despite little rest before their next game against the Peninsula Mystique, the Flash came out gunning as Derry scored two first-half goals to put the game away early and teammate Nicole Hovey sealed it with a second-half strike for a 3-0 victory. The Flash’s midfield kept the offensive strikes coming as Sarah Whitling and Alison Wan took good first-touches and spread the ball around to their wings.
Returning the next day on Sunday, the Flash had their hands full against the San Carlos Shock – dropping a tight 1-0 decision. After the Shock scored early in the first half, the Flash were unable to convert on three corner kicks. The Flash nearly tied the score in the second half – but Dunwoodie’s high blast was grabbed by the Shock goalie.
The loss pushed the Flash into the consolation game – where the Gilroy duo of Barnes and Derry connected for the game-winner in the extra session. Also having strong outings were Katie Ramos, Bub Dieffert, Shelly Pund, Kendra Sato.
