Hailey Guerrero kicks a pass from the air during Fallon's match in Elko.
The Lady Wave soccer team played two matches this weekend, traveling to Elko and Spring Creek.
According to coach Randy Hines, Spring Creek just played better overall Friday, winning the match 5-0. He said the Lady Spartans held onto the ball, gaining several chances to score; they also won the majority of 50/50 balls. After halftime the Fallon defense improved, only allowing one goal. Hines said they did a better job of containing the Spring Creek forwards and preventing opportunities for a shot on the goal.
“We told the girls at halftime that they need to be more aggressive when the ball is in the air,” he said.
Saturday’s match in Elko was another loss, 3-1. Hines said it was a great match from start to finish and one of the best the team has played all season.
He recalled the Lady Indians scored their first goal early in the match, but Fallon’s Maddie Guerrero tied it later in the half. The second half presented both teams with multiple scoring opportunities, but the score stayed tied for most of the half; Hines, though, said at the 77th minute, things changed and Elko shot a goal off the post into the net. In the last minute, Fallon pushed its offense hoping to tie, but Elko stole possession and slipped a goal past goalie Samantha Hines.
“It was good to see the girls play well on Saturday and I told them that we need to build on this performance,” coach Hines said.
The coach added that this week’s goal is to get more aggressive when playing defense and improve first touches. He said if they have better first touches their time of possession would increase and give more chances to score.
Hines said the loss of two defensive starters to ACL injuries has made it a long road; he added, however, that the team has been working together well. The coach said he hopes the players will recover soon and give a boost in their midfield.
The Lady Wave has two matches this week. They travel to South Tahoe for a 5 p.m. match tonight, then to Incline Village for a match Saturday at noon.
