Girls soccer rolls 6A Reynolds with double-digit scoring

Kevin Haspela, head coach for HRV, said the two teams initially played “cat and mouse” when it came to scoring. Junior midfielder Nina Casey got her first-ever varsity goal, shooting from the left-win position into the right side of the net in the 12th minute, thanks to an assist from Mona Diaz. Four minutes later, Reynolds’ Jojo Lauderback took advantage of HRV’s back line holding the ball too long, Haspela said, resulting in an equalizer for Reynolds.

Claire Davies goal in the 24th minute sparked a rally for the Eagles that was added to by goals from Yaya Chavarria — who Haspela said was effective in her new role as a center forward that game — in the 31st minute, and then another from Ashlee Ponce in the 38th minute to put the Eagles up 4-1.

Again, the Raiders pushed back, connecting on a free kick a minute later that rattled around amongst the sea of players in HRV’s box, then put in the back of the net by Reynold’s Alyssa Felix. Reynolds added another to start the second half, scoring off a counter attack in the 49th minute to come within one.

At the half, Haspela said he and his players discussed “settling down in the second half, keeping positive when scored upon, continuing to penetrate to the end-line, but improve touches in the box.” While Reynolds tightened it up in the beginning of the second half, Haspela said after the Raiders’ initial goal, the Eagles’ defense went into lockdown, while their offense exploded.

“From there on out, they had few looks on our goal,” he said. “We won more balls, found space well, and placed our shots on goal.”

The goal bonanza began with Chavarria’s second score of the day, recorded in the 51st minute, during which the captain dribbled past three players to put the Eagles’ fifth of the day away. That was followed by Audrey Marble (53rd minute), Halle Campos (57th minute), Ponce (69th minute), and finished off with goals by Diaz in the 73rd and 78th minutes.

Assisting were Diaz (two), Marble (two), Davies (two), and Kenia Ramirez. Claire Oswald and Vanessa Silva split time in net, with Oswald making three saves and Silva recording two.

The girls return home this weekend after a two-day road trip to host 6A West Albany (3-1) at Henderson Community Stadium at noon and then are at home with La Salle (3-0) Tuesday at Westside Elementary at 4:30 p.m.