No. 7 Mohaganee Miller and Nop. 12 Rosilinda Quiroz double team the offense attempting to take possession of the ball. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)
DUDLEY — The Southern Wayne Saints hosted the South Johnston Trojans in a competitive girls’ soccer match, displaying moments of strong defense and coordinated play despite a tough loss. The game began with aggressive energy from the Saints, who aimed to control possession early on.
Southern Wayne opened with intensity, particularly from Lismari Sanchez and Merari Escobar-Gonzalez, who worked hard to maintain possession and advance the ball into the attacking third. Meanwhile, Jamiyah Lennox played a crucial role on defense, applying pressure to South Johnston’s offensive efforts.
At the 32:03 mark, goalkeeper Molly Barrett made a critical save, preventing an early deficit. In the midfield, Addliee Cruz Verdugo contributed with strong kicks, keeping the ball near the Trojans’ goal. However, turnovers disrupted the Saints’ momentum, including a miscalculated throw-in by Jayda Harrell.
Defensively, Ariana Soler-Sanchez, Crystal Velasquez, Olivia Ruiz, Harrell, and Cruz Verdugo worked cohesively to counter South Johnston’s advances. Ruiz and Mohaganee Miller teamed up effectively to challenge opposing attackers, while Miller and Escobar-Gonzalez combined for a quick sprint toward the goal in an attempt to break through.
With 22 minutes left in the first half, Miller, Escobar-Gonzalez, and Rosilinda Quiroz executed a well-coordinated passing sequence from midfield. Quiroz and Escobar-Gonzalez showcased their technical skills, keeping the ball moving under pressure. However, another missed opportunity arose when Harrell’s corner kick veered behind the net.
As the half neared its end, South Johnston increased their offensive pressure. They attempted shots at 9:30 and 9:10, but Southern Wayne’s defense held firm. At 8:40, Miller responded with an attempt of her own, narrowly missing the target.
With 4:16 left in the half, South Johnston was awarded a penalty kick in front of an open goal. They capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the game’s first goal and taking a 1-0 lead. Southern Wayne’s defense, anchored by Kenzi Aycock, Lennox, and Angel Mouzone, tightened around their goal to prevent further damage before halftime.
Southern Wayne’s defense continued to battle as the second half began. Barrett made another key save at the 29:40 mark, keeping the Saints within striking distance. Aracely Perez-Barrera showcased solid technical skills in the midfield, while Miller and Quiroz combined on a double-team effort to disrupt South Johnston’s passing lanes.
Lennox remained instrumental in clearing the ball toward the Trojans’ goal, providing much-needed relief for the Saints. Miller played aggressively, working alongside Lennox and Harrell in a triple-team effort to stop South Johnston’s advances.
However, South Johnston found another breakthrough at the 23:42 mark, extending their lead to 2-0. Southern Wayne fought to regain control, with Cruz Verdugo, Mouzone, and Velasquez working together to move the ball upfield.
Despite the Saints’ defensive adjustments, South Johnston struck again at 7:46, widening the gap to 3-0. Barrett made a final save at the 5:10 mark, but the damage had already been done. The Saints’ defense—led by Soler-Sanchez, Paulina Rubio Villalobos, Kaylin Gobin, and Lennox—held strong against late short runs from the Trojans down the sideline.
After the match, Southern Wayne coach Ms. Blackman reflected on the team’s performance.
“We started out flat but have been working to improve,” Blackman stated. “The team felt defended at times, but we need to focus on winning those 50/50 matchups and playing a complete game instead of just one half.”
She emphasized conditioning and mental preparation, noting that fresh legs every eight minutes could be beneficial moving forward. The Saints’ ultimate goal remains growth, learning, and overall improvement as they continue their season.
Despite the 3-0 loss, Southern Wayne showed flashes of strong play, particularly in their defensive teamwork and moments of offensive coordination. With continued focus on endurance, technical skills, and ball control, the Saints will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
