The Live Oak girls soccer team, which has struggled offensively
early in the season, had to be satisfied with a 2-2 tie against
Hollister Thursday.
The Live Oak girls soccer team, which has struggled offensively early in the season, had to be satisfied with a 2-2 tie against Hollister Thursday.
“We knew they would be our toughest competition,” said coach Tony Vasquez. “We are so up and down this season. There is no consistency on this team. We’re still trying to find people to score goals for us. We need girls on this team to step up and make something. We’re a better team than this.”
Live Oak (2-6-2, 0-1 TCAL) had numerous shots in the first half, but was only able to capitalize once on a shot by Michelle McDonald. McDonald scored the goal on a diving sweep to her side about 10 yards out that got by the goalie.
“Their physical play intimidated us,” said Hollister assistant coach Bill Vandenberg about the first half of play. “Live Oak is a better team as far as skill goes and knowledge of the game. We told the girls we would have to focus on conditioning, which paid off in the second half.”
Jenny Maheu tied up the score about 10 minutes into the second half on an assist by Jen Vandenburg. Vandenburg scored the Balers’ second goal on a break away down the middle from just inside the center line. Live Oak goalie Ashley Garcia tried to come out to make the stop, but Vandenburg dumped it by her.
With less than 15 minutes left, Stephanie Curtis knocked in a corner kick from McDonald in a scramble in front of the net for the Acorns to tie the game.
“They’ve been the dynasty team for our league for a long time,” said Hollister head coach Mike Shurig, whose team is now 7-3-2. “I know they have had a rough preseason, but they have been playing some tough teams. We didn’t want to take them for granted because of that.”
Live Oak will try to get back to winning when they next play at North Salinas on Jan. 13.
