Lady Pirates Lose Two Big Rivalry Games

By GANNON HANEVOLD

Moapa Valley Progress

Last week, the Moapa Valley High School Girls’ Soccer team played their two toughest rivalry games of the season. The Pirates took on Virgin Valley on Monday, Sept. 26; and Boulder City on Wednesday. It was two of the team’s early league season tests.

The Bulldogs have proven to be a form of kryptonite for the Pirates in recent history. In the past five seasons, the Pirates haven’t pulled off a single win against their rural rivals, although they have forced draws on multiple occasions.

As for the Eagles, Moapa had swept them last season. But the intensity is always at its maximum when the two sides face off. Boulder City is certainly looking for revenge going into this season.

The first rivalry game of the week for the Pirates was a home game against the Virgin Valley Bulldogs. The Bulldogs started strong, with a goal that rolled in off of the left post during the early minutes. Not long afterwards, Virgin Valley put in another to extend their lead to 2-0.
A penalty gave the Bulldogs another shot at putting a ball in the net for the third time. They took advantage of the opportunity and pushed their lead once more.
The Pirates put themselves on the board before halftime came. Sophomore Italia Bracamontes launched a shot from long distance that went in the back of the net.

The exceptional goal resulted in a momentum swing for the Pirates. They were on attack over and over again through the last ten minutes, with multiple shots on goal. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t get one to go between the posts, and Virgin Valley was saved by the halftime whistle.

In the second half, the Bulldogs reclaimed control of the tempo, and added one more goal to put the icing on the cake. The Pirates fell 4-1.

In their second game of the week, the Pirates traveled to Boulder City to compete with the Eagles.
It was tight competition through the first half. A Romina Parra goal kept the Pirates in the game in the first half. But dspite getting on the board, they still trailed by one at the halftime break.
In the second half, the Eagles added one more to build a safety net. Their 3-1 lead would never change. The Eagles succeeded in their attempt to reclaim bragging rights with their rivals.

The Pirates look to bounce back from their consecutive losses last week. Their playoff hopes are still very alive in the young season, but their resilience will be tested in the coming weeks.