Sobrato Loses Tough One to Westmont; Creams Oak Grove
Morgan Hill – The Sobrato Bulldogs varsity girls soccer team have already seen their game improve early in the season as their defense comes together and their offense goes on attack. The Bulldogs lost their match against Westmont, 3-1, last Saturday then regrouped to pound Oak Grove, 8-1, on Tuesday at home.
“I’m pleased with how they’re coming along,” said Sobrato coach Susan Scigliano. “I think our defense is starting to come together. They’re doing a better job of reading and communicating.”
A tough second half in their match against the Westmont Warriors in Campbell wore down the Bulldogs. The Warriors defense stepped up the pressure in the second half with the score tied 1-1, giving their offense a chance to score two more times for the win.
“Actually it was a close game,” said Scigliano. “I really felt it could have gone either way. We did have quite a few shots. We were just unlucky with some. We’re getting midfielders more into the attack. You can see the progression.”
Sobrato fired 17 shots on goal and at the other end of the field sophomore goalkeeper Katrina Olsen made 14 saves for the Bulldogs. Cecily Nishimatsu scored the lone goal for Sobrato in the first half off a free kick.
The Bulldogs bounced back on Tuesday with a 8-1 drumming of Oak Grove with their defense dominating the Eagles.
“We definitely dominated the game,” said Scigliano. “The defense stepped up to the challenge. Katrina made many awesome saves to keep Oak Grove from scoring. She slides out and takes the ball off the offenders’ foot. Even one referee said, ‘Wow, you have a great goalie.’ She’s fearless and takes charge. She loves it, loves the challenge.” Scigliano has also said that Olsen is one of the best goalkeepers she’s ever coached.
Sophomore forward Ashley Grose led Sobrato’s offensive attack, abusing Oak Grove’s defense and scoring four goals in the win.
“She’s awesome,” said Scigliano. “She has such good speed and such good ball control.”
Junior forward Katy Alton scored two goals for the Bulldogs and freshman outside midfielder Kayla Nishimatsu scored two goals executing Sobrato’s game plan to get the midfielders more involved in the offensive attack.
“Oak Grove had a couple of really good forwards that were pressing the defense,” said Scigliano. “Our defense is understanding what they need to be doing. A defender got an assist in this game.”
The Bulldogs kick off Tri County Athletic League action next Thursday when they head to Salinas to face the Cowboys at 5pm.
According to Scigliano they are working on their formation and keeping the midfielders in the attack, as well as some of the basics like passing and controlling the middle of the field.
