Heritage had plenty to celebrate in its win over Freedom | Casey Manuel |
BRENTWOOD — The growing pains Heritage experienced at the beginning of the season seemed to have really helped the Patriots with the way they’ve been performing as of late.
After starting the season off 1-1-4, the Patriots have turned their fortunes around impressively, running on an 7-0-1 unbeaten streak. The team’s 4-0 victory over Freedom showcased its underclassmen rising up to the occasion.
“These girls play a high level of club soccer,” said Heritage head coach Gary LaFleur. “I think the team has embraced and encouraged to play the way they’re comfortable playing. I think they’re having a blast. I’m proud of all these players.”
Three of the four goals recorded Thursday night came from freshmen. Taryn Richey scored her first of two with a strong right foot shot. Abigail Salgado followed up not too long after by hitting a volley out of the reach of Freedom’s goalkeeper.
In similar fashion, Richey completed her brace by burying a volley of her own, making it 3-0 at halftime.
“It’s a really fast style of play, we rely on passing the ball a lot more,” Richey said about the high school style of play. “My goals were thanks to my teammates, they played really good balls.”
Sami Wilson added another goal in the second half to make it 4-0.
Heritage’s success could also be linked with a veteran move executed by LaFleur by adjusting up his lineup. Renny Buchanan has transitioned into a holding-midfielder and Hailey Hamataka has moved up into a attack-oriented role. Hamataka didn’t get on the score sheet tonight, but looked dangerous up top. She’s nailed in four goals in league play.
“Were working on maintaining our composure and moving the ball around,” said LaFleur. “We need to fix the little things to keep moving forward.”
Around the BVAL
It took Madison Del Prado 33 minutes to record a hat trick against Pittsburg. Kandyce Chuman, Alexis Gutierrez and Gaby Colmenares each had a goal in the 6-0 win for Liberty, who kept pace with Heritage at the top of the BVAL standings. Both teams are 5-0-1 in league play, and will face off one more time next Thursday, at Heritage.
Celia Villanueva scored the only goal in Deer Valley’s 1-0 victory over crosstown rival Antioch.
The Antioch boys retained the Mayor’s Cup with their 2-0 win over Deer Valley. Ian Scheringer and Joel Sanchez scored with assists from Junior Picón.
Liberty's boys fell to Pittsburg, 3-0. Juan Rivera, Luis Toribio and Antonio Fernandez each scored for the Pirates. Liberty has yet to win a league game.
Freedom ended the week with back-to-back wins. This time they took down Heritage by a final score of 2-1, after the two teams played to a draw in the first time through league play. Ozzie De La Cruz and Elias Castro scored for Freedom. Adam Nawabi had a goal for Heritage, assisted by Nikko Citero.
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