By MICHAEL JOHNSON
Bulletin correspondent
The Sierra High School Timberwolves kicked off their VOL schedule with hard fought 2-1 win over visiting Manteca Wednesday night at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.
“We knew this was going to be a tough game,” said Sierra coach Manuel Pires. “It is always a challenge when you play one of your rival schools.”
The first quarter of an hour found these two conference foes feeling each other out, each team controlling the ball in the midfield and creating chances as they arose. With 20 minutes left in the first half, the ball fell to the feet of Sierra striker Hailey Cruz. Cruz fired a right footed shot on goal that was saved with a dive by Manteca goalkeeper Rosilinda Gonzales in what was one of the best saves you’ll see at any level of soccer.
“She’s made some big saves for us as a Freshman, but that was probably the biggest one for sure,” said Manteca coach Justin Coenenberg.
Gonzales finished the night with 3 saves and was supported multiple times in the first half by timely blocks from defender Brooklyn Cornish, keeping the Timberwolves off of the scoreboard early.
Sierra was able to break the scoreless tie with just under three minutes left in the opening half. Junior midfielder Zoe Sutton found Leslie Reyes streaking down the right side. Reyes delivered a perfect cross into the box that Cruz was able to get a head on to put the ball in the back of the net to put the home side up 1-0.
“Cruz made a great run, great header, said Pires. “That was a great goal, especially at the High School level.”
Coenenberg’s Buffaloes showed great resolve in the second half, controlling more of the ball and creating chances, the majority coming through sophomore midfielder Kailee Jackson, who generated 5 of the teams 8 total shots on the night. Manteca found a well deserved equalizer nine minutes into the second half as junior midfielder Sierriah Garcia found space down the right side, cut back and with her left foot curled a shot from just inside the box over the head of the Sierra goalkeeper, off the post and in to level the score at 1-1.
“I was super proud of the way our team in the second half. There were a lot of girls who played a lot of minutes tonight,” said Coenenberg.
Struggling to break the tie for much of the second half, the Timberwolves went back to what worked for them in the first half goal, as Reyes was yet again able to get space down the right side. This time her cross was taken down at the feet of Cruz as she evaded a defender and slotted her second goal of the night with her left foot past Gonzales to put Sierra up for good with eleven minutes left in the game.
“Or wings are very quick, very smart,” said Pires. “We know how to possess the ball and deliver the cross when it is needed.”
Timely crosses were a theme on the night for Sierra, but so was the Senior striker Cruz’ ability to be in the right place at the right time.
“She (Cruz) finds the right spots, makes the right runs. She has four years of experience at this level and can finish with both feet,” said Pires.
Cruz’ two goals came on eight of Sierra’s 13 shots on the evening.
Despite the loss, Manteca’s coach was proud of the way the Buffaloes fought against a tough opponent.
“We’ve been struggling, and I really thought tonight was one of our better efforts. We were more organized, created some opportunities, so while we’re disappointed in the outcome it was a step in the right direction,” said Coenenberg.
Up next for Sierra is a trip to Modesto to play Central Catholic on Friday night, while Manteca will take on Gregori at home on Saturday.
