Othello girls soccer seeks first victory of 2016 year
Othello's Isabel Hardiek battles a Selah forward for control of the ball during the Huskies home loss to the Vikings. Bob Barrett photo.
OTHELLO – The Othello Huskie soccer team was still looking for its first win of the 2016 season after a 1-1 tie at Clarkston and dropping a 4-2 decision to Selah at Huskie Field last Saturday.
Othello went looking for that first victory at Wapato two nights ago. They will host Ephrata on Saturday and Toppenish on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
“We had a sluggish first half at Clarkston and gave up a quick goal in the first two minutes,” Othello coach Bernie Garza said.
Kaylee Martinez tied the score with a long-range direct kick from about 30 yards out.
“It was a beautiful blast over the wall and into the back of the net,” Garza said.
Huskie goalie Jenelle Garza kept Othello in the game with 17 saves.
The Huskies seemed a step slow and behind the flow of the match in their home loss to Selah.
“Selah did a good job of controlling the midfield as our players were not keeping up with Selah’s passing,” Garza said. “We were chasing the ball. We looked sluggish.”
Nikki Velasquez stole the ball from the Selah defenders and booted home a goal in the first five minutes to give the Huskies the early advantage.
“After that, it was all Selah,” Garza said.
The Vikings scored three unanswered goals before Martinez answered for the Huskies on a penalty kick. Selah added an insurance goal and held on for the 4-2 win.