DENAIR — For the Turlock Christian High girls soccer players, it was frustrating to see all their shots swerve too far to the left or too far to the right, or into the hands of the opposing goalkeepers. But the Eagles remained persistent, which ultimately led to Monday’s 1-0 triumph over Southern League foe and fellow Monte Vista Avenue resident Denair High.
The day’s lone goal came from Arin Morelli, one of nine TC freshmen.
And all the newcomer did, she said, was look up. Sophomore teammate Natalie Snyder sent a pass through traffic and Morelli — a midfielder who had drastically pushed up field to help — capitalized on the timely assist for a one-goal lead in the 64th minute after the Eagles had swarmed the Denair defense with about a dozen shots.
“We had a lot of shots during the game,” said Morelli, whose goal was her first of the season, “but none of them were going in. It was the end of the second half, I really wanted to win, so I just took it.”
It was a much-needed win for the Eagles (2-3-0 SL), who had captured only one win in their first four league games.
Turlock Christian tested the Coyotes all day, with goalkeepers Leslie Rodriguez and Tanya Duarte combining for 12 saves for the game. Denair, which dropped to 0-5 in league play, only had about four good looks at the goal, while the Eagles finished with 15 shots.
But TC coach Shirley Brand said the game was evenly matched, highlighted by the fact that the Coyotes were more offensively aggressive after Morelli’s goal.
The Eagles, however, never stopped attacking.
“I was telling them at halftime,” Brand said, “we’re a second-half team. ‘Now that you’re past your exhaustion. Now, tighten up. You’ve got your second wind. Let’s go play hard now.’ They thought they were playing hard, but they’re usually a second-half team.”
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.
The day’s lone goal came from Arin Morelli, one of nine TC freshmen.
And all the newcomer did, she said, was look up. Sophomore teammate Natalie Snyder sent a pass through traffic and Morelli — a midfielder who had drastically pushed up field to help — capitalized on the timely assist for a one-goal lead in the 64th minute after the Eagles had swarmed the Denair defense with about a dozen shots.
“We had a lot of shots during the game,” said Morelli, whose goal was her first of the season, “but none of them were going in. It was the end of the second half, I really wanted to win, so I just took it.”
It was a much-needed win for the Eagles (2-3-0 SL), who had captured only one win in their first four league games.
Turlock Christian tested the Coyotes all day, with goalkeepers Leslie Rodriguez and Tanya Duarte combining for 12 saves for the game. Denair, which dropped to 0-5 in league play, only had about four good looks at the goal, while the Eagles finished with 15 shots.
But TC coach Shirley Brand said the game was evenly matched, highlighted by the fact that the Coyotes were more offensively aggressive after Morelli’s goal.
The Eagles, however, never stopped attacking.
“I was telling them at halftime,” Brand said, “we’re a second-half team. ‘Now that you’re past your exhaustion. Now, tighten up. You’ve got your second wind. Let’s go play hard now.’ They thought they were playing hard, but they’re usually a second-half team.”
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.
