Despite an improved defensive effort in the second half, the Mingus Union High School girls soccer team could not overcome a 3-1 halftime deficit en route to a 4-1 defeat to Thunderbird High School on Jan. 12.
In a game mostly disputed in the middle third of the field, the Marauders [5-5, 1-1] were beaten down the right sideline on a number of occasions during the first half that led to most of the visiting Chiefs’ chances.
“They’re very well organized,” Mingus head coach Andrea Strobel said. “That’s tough, that’s something we have to work on is anticipating those organized teams.”
Sophomore forward Lexy Aguilar converted a penalty kick four minutes in to put Thunderbird up 1-0. The Mingus back line was caught stepping up to the Chief forwards, which ultimately led to the penalty.
The Marauders would continue to get beat in behind.
The Chiefs created chances from one-two passing and speed down the sidelines. Seventeen minutes in they doubled their lead.
Chief senior midfielder Jody Hernandez cut middle, drawing in the Mingus defense before picking out freshman forward Julia Mitchell free inside the penalty area.
Even though Marauders freshman goalkeeper Zoe Arwine’s deflection would have put the ball wide of the goal, Chief senior forward Lisette Perez was untouched at the far post to tap the ball in.
With 17 minutes left in the half Mingus saw its best chance at goal. The Thunderbird defense was caught in possession, and freshman midfielder Marli Urueta struck her open look at goal high off the left post, but the ensuing shot by senior forward Yadira Romero was sent wide.
One minute later the Chiefs added to their lead, once again by way of a one-two play down the right sideline. Aguilar released Perez, who advanced and finished low to Arwine’s right.
Marauders senior forward Auli Hanks again raised eyebrows with another long-distance goal.
Thunderbird senior goalkeeper Kiara Pasillas came out to play the ball, and the ball fell to junior midfielder Nicole Spitzke. Hanks, from 40 yards out, successfully put the ball into the back of the net.
“I saw the goal and I saw the opportunity so I asked for a pass back and was able to let it go,” Hanks said.
From a defensive standpoint, once Mingus gave up the third goal it improved.
During the entire second half the ball stayed mostly in the midfield, and when the Chiefs did make a move toward goal, the Marauders confidently stepped into the passing lanes or took the ball away in one-on-one situations.
“We put our foot out there and we got it,” Arwine said. “We judged where they were going to move it.”
When Thunderbird, which had seven shots on goal in the half, did see clear chances at goal, Arwine saved all but one, including two from eight yards or closer.
“I’m so proud of her, she’s a freshman, she’s doing amazing things that seniors can’t even do,” Hanks said.
Halfway through the half Mingus could have scored its second, again catching the Chiefs defense in possession, but Pasillas left her goal and smothered the ball.
Thunderbird scored its fourth with two minutes left in the game.
Hernandez played a quality cross into the penalty area, where Aguilar volleyed in with the inside of her right foot.
Strobel noted that her team has been struggling with a few injuries, and the absence of the injured has made a noticeable difference.
“We’re just playing really shorthanded right now,” Strobel said. “You can just kind of feel that when a player goes out injured.”
Arwine totaled 15 saves and the Marauders seven shots, four of which on target.
The Marauders again took the field for a 4A Grand Canyon Section game on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Bradshaw Mountain High School, but results were unavailable at press time. They next play Thursday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m., Coconino High School in another section matchup.
