Ark Valley News - Hornets rebound after first loss

Vanessa Aguilar looks to control the ball and work through Eisenhower defenders April 18. Valley Center fell to the Tigers 2-0.

Hornets rebound after first loss
By Taylor Messick
Last Updated: April 25, 2019

The Valley Center High School soccer team suffered its first loss of the season April 18 at Eisenhower. The Hornets fell 2-0, but rebounded this week to move their record to 9-1.

The Hornets had only given up three goals in nine games prior to the match against Goddard Eisenhower. However, Valley Center struggled to maintain possession early and allowed Eisenhower to gain momentum. The Tigers cut through the defensive midfield and the back line to earn their first goal. Eisenhower continued to do damage early when they patiently attacked from the midfield and broke down the Hornet defense once more to make the score 2-0 at halftime.

Coach Steen Danielsen said he thought the girls played better in the second half. The Hornets were able to gain momentum and build attacks, which made the game more competitive. Unfortunately, the early hole was too deep and Valley Center was never able to get on the board. The Hornets were shut out for the first time this season; it was only the third time they have been held to less than two goals.

Danielsen named Emily Breault the MVP.

The girls rebounded on April 23 when they took a road trip to Ark City. The Hornets won 2-1 and this time, Valley Center came out of the gates firing.

It only took the team 10 minutes to score on the Bulldogs. Haley Sparks scored the Hornets' first goal off a nice assist from Sophie Girtz. The second goal for Valley Center came 35 minutes into the first half from Olivia Niedens. The Bulldogs scored in the second half but the girls held onto the lead for the win. Danielsen said Kaeli Gard was the MVP for serving a great ball to create a scoring opportunity inside the box. He also said Gard showed versatility.

The JV girls tied with Eisenhower 1-1; the goal was scored by Ashlynn Kurtz. They beat Ark City 1-0 and the goal was scored by Ella Wiechman.

The girls will host Maize South April 25 and Goddard April 30.