The Mingus Union High School soccer team sent off its senior class with a bang, defeating Lee Williams High School 3-0 on Thursday, Jan. 31.
“The seniors played well, I have relied upon them for their defense all season long and they did not disappoint,” Mingus coach Calvin Behlow said. “When they realize it is their last game, they focus a little bit more on doing things right.”
With the win, Mingus finishes its regular season at 7-5.
Last season, the Marauders finished 5-11-2.
“The last four years had been kind of rough for them but they smiled and that is what you want,” Behlow said. “You want them to enjoy themselves and walk out of here knowing they gave everything they had in their last year.”
The first round of the 4A playoffs begin on Saturday, Feb. 9.
Mingus grabbed an early lead when Marli Urueta found Jaiden Behlow for a goal in the ninth minute.
“Marli plays a great through ball to Jaiden, who settles the ball and slots it in,” Behlow said.
At halftime, Mingus led Lee Williams 1-0.
“We had to make some adjustmentsat halftime because we were attempting to play the ball out of the back too much,” Behlow said. “I tried pushing our midfielders forward but our defenders had tried playing the ball back to where they thought our midfielders were.”
Urueta’s playmaking continued as she found Felicia Bueno in the 49th minute, giving Mingus a 2-0 lead.
“The second goal was a great through ball to Felicia, who gathers it and puts it in the back of the net,” Behlow said.
Though Bueno had missed an opportunity in the first half, the Mingus midfielder would not be denied in the second.
“The goalie made a miraculous save at the end of the first half so I was glad Felicia did not get down on herself,” Behlow said. “Felicia came back, battled and was able to score in the second half.”
Urueta took matters into her own hands and put the Marauders up 3-0 in the 64th minute.
“The last goal was a great ball from Jaiden to Marli who has plenty of space, turns and hits it left-footed,” Behlow said. “Soccer is a beautiful game when you can have pass, pass, pass and have somebody find a good offensive look.”
Mingus’ defense would hold strong to preserve the 3-0 victory.
Behlow singled out senior defender Hannah Arwin for her performance
at goalkeeper.
“Hannah [Arwin] came up big tonight. She is a backup goalkeeper
who stepped in and kept the ball out of the net,” Behlow said. “The defense never gave up on through balls and she was able to make a few big saves.”
“I flat out told Hannah to do her best because I would not blame her for any goals allowed,” Behlow said. “She kept us in the game tonight and did a great job.”
“She is so competitive that when she does not do great, she feels as if she is not playing good,” Behlow said. “She is literallyjust playing good soccer, she has been practicing well and that confidence carried over.”
Lee Williams had no answer for the Marauders’ offensive balance on Thursday night.
“Three goals by three different players is great and they can come in bunches at times,” Behlow said. “These girls work so hard like Felicia Bueno, who had some great opportunities and was able to capitalize.”
Mingus outpassed its opponent 80 to 40 on Thursday night and held a 70-30 possession advantage.
“Our passing all the way through the midfield was very strong tonight,” Behlow said.
Mingus also received solid contributions from its defenders against Lee Williams.
“Our centerbacks Gabby SanFelice and Hailey Needham did a good job because our opponent
was pushing two girls and we had to squeeze it,” Behlow said. “It was a great team effort from everyone tonight.”
The Marauders finish the regular season 17th in the 4A rankings
