The trek toward a six consecutive Tri-County Athletic League
title began with a bang Wednesday night.
The trek toward a six consecutive Tri-County Athletic League title began with a bang Wednesday night.
You have to start somewhere. Why not put on a show while you’re at it?
Taylor Slattery and Alex Maldonado each deposited two goals a piece as the Gilroy High girls varsity soccer team turned a narrow halftime lead into a rousing 6-1 victory over visiting Alisal.
“We worked on the things we wanted to and we have a list that we will keep working on,” GHS head coach Jose Hernandez said.
Carrying a 2-1 advantage into the second half, the Mustangs speed and craftiness in space shone through, striking for three goals in less than five minutes to distance themselves from the Trojans.
Monique Barragan dropped a header into the net for the Mustangs’ 3-1 lead in the 52nd minute. Two minutes later, Maldonado made the Trojans pay for a failed clearance attempt and easily directed the ball into the back of the nylon for a 4-1 cushion.
In the 56th minute Slattery, who tallied the first goal of the contest in the game’s second minute on a pinpoint left-footer to the top right corner of the net, added her second, simply lofting the ball on net and it sailed in for 5-1.
Maldonado concluded the barrage with five minutes to play, receiving a scooting through ball from Savannah Silacci and one-touching it in.
After Slattery’s early score, the Trojans countered in the 10th minute.
The normally sure-footed Monica Marrazzo succumbed to the turf monster and tripped while defending a play penetrating into the Mustangs’ half. The Trojans capitalized with the equalizer.
Cynthia Sanchez earned back the lead with six minutes to play before the half. This time it was an Alisal defender with the faux pas and Sanchez, with speed, raced up the right side and unleashed a shot to the far post.
GHS (4-2-3 overall, 1-0 TCAL) hosts Notre Dame Friday at 5:15 p.m.
