Othello takes two of three on the pitch in CWAC action to remain alive in the playoff hunt

Othello began the week with slim hopes of making the postseason but has done its best to make a push it hopes of securing the final playoff spot with two wins against one loss this past week.

The Huskies were blown out 9-0 by Selah at home Tuesday, Oct. 10. The team was without two key starters and two key backups who were out with injuries.

“We were very aggressive and motivated to play and came out with intensity and some needed spark and were tied 0-0 at the 25 minute-mark when then things just got out of hand,” coach Bernie Garza said. “Selah scored from about 40 yards out on a direct shot to the goalie and it went right through her hands. The next three goals were more of the same as we could not stop them from shooting and they goals just kept going in.”

Down 4-0 at half Garza switched goal keepers and tried a different formation, but ended up giving up five goals in the second half. 

“Overall it was a bad day of soccer. Selah has only lost one game all year. They are the best team in the league and they showed us why,” Garza said. “I told the girls that there is nothing we can do now, just get better for the next game and continue to work hard at practice.” 

Garza’s advice paid off and the team went on to beat its next two opponents to keep hope alive.

Othello 2

East Valley 1

The Huskies bounced back in a big way against the Red Devils on Thursday, Oct. 12 despite being shorthanded.

“We were down four players due to injuries and we just needed to stay true to our system and keep working hard,” Garza said. “We were tied 0-0 right before half time with both teams taking lots of shots and playing aggressive to the ball, but East Valley finally scored on a breakaway and with things were not looking good. Then Emily Mendez outran the entire East Valley defense and took a low shot that the keeper saved but Jazlyhn Verduzco was making a run to the far post and rocketed in a hard shot from 5-yards out to tie the game.”

With momentum on their side the Huskies started the second half of action with a barrage of shots on goals, but as luck would have it committed a foul in the 18-yard box and a penalty kick was awarded to the Red Devils.

“As the East Valley forward was taking the shot Lane Simpson, our keeper was distracting the shooter moving left and right on the goal line and when she took it the shot went straight down the middle and Lane made the save of the game,” Garza said. “Shortly afterward they had several one-on-one breakaways and Lane came out and met them and saved the day.” 

With 5 minutes remaining Rilee Heist stole the ball at midfield and passed to Kylie Ashton who beat two defenders and fired a looping shot over the keeper’s outstretched hands for the game winner.

Othello 2

Wapato 0

Injuries continued to mount for Othello as team was down to 13 players heading it to the match with Wapato Saturday.

But the Huskies dug down deep once again and were able to come away with a shutout win over the Wolves.

“You have to give a lot of credit to the girls who continue to shine when it seems all is lost,” Garza said. “Our remain starters Lidia Rodriguez, Rilee Heist, Kayla Guzman, Emily Mendez, Jazlyhn Verduzco and Gracie Sorenson have played almost every minute of every game this year. Our junior varsity players have done great stepping into varsity games when asked of them.” 

An unassisted goal by Sorenson and a goal by Verduzco off an assist from Emily Mendez were all the goals the Huskies needed to put away the Wolves and continue their hopes of making the playoffs.  

“It was a tough game as the referee was letting every foul go and was not calling any hand balls or fouls on Wapato,” Garza said. “It was very frustrating but the girls kept calm and went about their business and did what was needed to win the game.” 

With two games to go in the regular season, Othello needs to win both and get a bit of help along the way to make the playoffs as the number No. 6 seed. 

“If East Valley wins another game our season would be over despite what we do,” Garza said. “But we just need to take care of what we can do and hope for the best. “