James Kenan’s Katherine Enamorado gets ahead of her opponent to get the ball to her teammates. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)
The James Kenan Tigers struggled to find their rhythm against a dominant Southwest Onslow squad, falling 5-0 in a hard-fought match. Despite flashes of strong defensive coordination and some promising offensive drives, the Tigers were unable to break through Southwest Onslow’s disciplined back line and technical execution.
James Kenan opened the match with solid defensive structure, with Breydi Meza and Alison Duenas working effectively to shield the Tigers’ goal from early pressure. Southwest Onslow applied immediate intensity, and despite several key stops from James Kenan’s defense, the opposition struck first at the 32:36 mark. A quick combination play allowed Southwest Onslow to capitalize on an opening near the goal, putting them ahead 1-0.
The Tigers’ midfield, anchored by Keyla Diaz and Katherine Enamorado, fought hard to regain possession and create offensive momentum. Enamorado displayed quick footwork and aggressive ball control, helping to push the ball into Southwest Onslow territory. However, the Tigers’ forward line struggled to find clear shooting opportunities, with Southwest Onslow’s defenders cutting off passing lanes and winning key challenges.
Daniella Garcia and Josselyn Gomez worked together to establish some control in the midfield, but Southwest Onslow’s fast counterattacks kept James Kenan’s defense under pressure. A second goal came in the 16th minute when Southwest Onslow executed a well-timed through ball that slipped past James Kenan’s defensive line. The shot beat goalkeeper Anareli Avila at close range, giving Southwest Onslow a 2-0 lead.
Despite the early setback, James Kenan responded with urgency. Enamorado made a strong solo run toward the goal but couldn’t convert, with the shot veering just wide of the post. Duenas and Garcia remained active in the midfield, attempting to intercept Southwest Onslow’s build-up play.
The Tigers’ defense tightened up temporarily, with Meza, Duenas, and Noilin Rodriguez working cohesively to disrupt Southwest Onslow’s offensive rhythm. However, Southwest Onslow continued to press. Just past the halfway point of the first half, Southwest Onslow launched a long-range shot from near the halfway line that soared over the defense and into the back of the net, extending their lead to 3-0.
James Kenan’s midfielders attempted to spark a response, with Yaneidi Cruz and Karla Diaz linking up well on the left side. Cruz created a promising opportunity with a strong pass to Garcia, but the shot was blocked by Southwest Onslow’s goalkeeper. Keyla Diaz also provided a well-placed cross into the box, but the Tigers were unable to convert.
James Kenan entered the second half with renewed intensity, determined to close the gap. Abigail Cantarero and Arely Patino coordinated well in defense, shutting down several Southwest Onslow runs on the wings. In the opening minutes of the half, Cruz and Enamorado combined for a fast break toward goal, but the final touch was intercepted by a Southwest Onslow defender.
Southwest Onslow remained composed and extended their lead at the 25:33 mark with a well-placed shot from the sideline. The Southwest Onslow forward created space with quick footwork and fired a powerful strike that curved past Avila, increasing the deficit to 4-0.
James Kenan’s defense held firm after the fourth goal, with Meza and Rodriguez making several critical tackles to slow Southwest Onslow’s attack. Duenas remained aggressive, applying pressure in the midfield and helping the Tigers regain possession. Shania Jones also provided a spark with effective throw-ins that helped the Tigers advance into Southwest Onslow’s territory.
Cruz and Garcia made solid attempts to push toward the goal, but Southwest Onslow’s defensive line stayed organized and cleared each attempt. Garcia nearly converted on a low shot from the top of the box, but Southwest Onslow’s goalkeeper made a diving save to preserve the shutout.
With just under 10 minutes left, Southwest Onslow struck again. After a miscommunication on James Kenan’s back line, Southwest Onslow capitalized on the defensive lapse and finished with a close-range shot, pushing the score to 5-0.
James Kenan continued to fight until the final whistle. Enamorado and Cruz created a late push with back-to-back passing combinations, but Southwest Onslow’s defenders stayed disciplined and denied any last-minute scoring opportunities. A final shot attempt from Garcia was saved by the goalkeeper, closing out a challenging match for the Tigers.
James Kenan showed resilience despite the lopsided scoreline. Southwest Onslow’s ability to convert long-range opportunities and capitalize on defensive lapses proved to be the difference. James Kenan’s midfield play was a bright spot, with Enamorado and Diaz showing strong chemistry and ball movement. Defensively, Meza and Rodriguez were key figures in limiting Southwest Onslow’s attack, particularly in the second half.
The Tigers’ inability to convert their chances in the attacking third ultimately cost them, but the team’s defensive cohesion and competitive spirit remained intact. Moving forward, James Kenan will look to build on the positives from this match and sharpen their finishing as they prepare for the next challenge.
