Trojans Win Defensive Struggle Over Lady Bulldogs

By LOU MARTIN

The Progress

The Virgin Valley High School Girls Soccer team found itself in a dog fight on Tuesday night, Sept. 14 against a strong Pahrump Valley High School squad. The Trojans had the Dawgs on their defensive heels early in the match with their more aggressive style of play.

Trojan sophomore Courtney VanHouse got Pahrump on the scoreboard, 10 minutes into the game, with a huge shot from 40 yards out, giving Pahrump an early 1-0 lead.

Bulldog junior Kacie Garrett’s strong play on the backline kept the Trojans at bay. The Bulldogs responded pushing the ball downfield before forcing a corner kick at the 15 minute mark. Emma Hughes attempt fell short on a save from the Trojans goalkeeper.

The match was stopped for a scheduled water break, due to extreme heat, at the 20 minute mark. During the break, Bulldog Coach Scott Trimming was heard, “We need to work the ball better and keep our dribbles going.”

His charges responded, keeping the Trojans off balance for the rest of the half. The Trojans had an opportunity to score, but Bulldog keeper Erin Ofori had a great save right before the half.

After the break, the Bulldogs came out with a stronger style of play. They forced the ball downfield.
Bulldog Katrina Beltran broke free but was tackled in the box setting up a foul shot. Beltran’s shot on goal slipped by the Trojan keeper knotting the match at 1-1.

The Trojans stepped up their attack pushing the ball up field scoring another goal at the 20 minute mark of the second period making the score 2-1 in favor of Pahrump.

Bulldog keeper Ofori had two more saves late in the match keeping the Dawgs close. But the game ended with the Dawgs on the short side of a 2-1 score.

“We dominated possession and tactically were a better team,” said Bulldog coach Trimming. “We got caught defensively by their counter attacks and offensively by not taking advantage of penetrating runs.”

“I am happy with the girl’s performance, however there are a few minor things to correct,” Trimming said. “As the season progresses I’m confident the girls will be where they need to be to make a run for the state championship.”

The Lady Dawgs will host Del Sol High School on Wednesday, Sept. 22 beginning at 3:30 pm.