Lady Lions, Tigers fall on SCL soccer pitch

Local girls soccer teams suffered a similar fate in Sonoma
County League openers last week, with the Lady Tigers falling at
Petaluma, 3-1, while the Lions were blanked by host Sonoma,
6-0.
Tigers hang tough against Trojans
The injury bug continued to plague the Lady Tigers last week in
their league opener at Petaluma on Sept. 10. Already missing their
starting goalie, Analy lost freshman back-up keeper Lara Ryzanych
when she broke two fingers during pre-game warm-ups. Regular
sophomore midfielder Jenna Nagle was a game-time replacement and
did an outstanding job.
The Tigers drew first blood against the Trojans, when sophomore
midfielder Deanna Molkenbuhr found the net for an unassisted goal.
Petaluma would even the score just before halftime on a 30 yard
laser by all-leaguer Natalie Simon.
The Tigers dug in for a very physical second half, a period that
would remain scoreless until the 32nd minute. The Trojans took the
lead on a broken play for a 2-1 advantage, and then iced the
contest in the final minutes with another insurance tally for the
eventual, 3-1 win.
“We faced a large, physical, senior-laden team, a real test for
us against one of the favorites to win the league this year,” said
Analy coach Joseph Heil. “We did a pretty good job of keeping their
best players in check for most of the game, but they were the real
deal.”
Two days earlier, the Tigers (5-2, 0-1) wrapped up their
pre-season with a dominant, 2-0 win over Piner. Analy goals were
scored by Riley Ping-Medvigy and Jenna Nagle, with assists going to
Molly Schuster and Kasey Groth. Credit goalie Lara Ryzanych with a
shutout for the Tigers.
Analy will continue a tough stretch this week when they travel
to face perennial power Windsor tonight (Sept. 17, Wilson Ranch).
The Tigers will come home to host Healdsburg next Tuesday, Sept.
22. Game times beginning with the JV are 5 and 7 p.m.
Lions blanked by Sonoma
It proved to be a tough league opener for the Lions, who came up
empty against a solid host Sonoma squad.
“It was not pretty,” said El Mo coach Julius Ujeh. “Sonoma is
packing a very good group of players this year that are dedicated
to the game.”
The Lady Lions (2-2, 0-1) will travel to Casa Grande today
(Thursday, Sept. 17, 4/5:30 p.m.) and come home to host Windsor
next Tuesday, Sept. 22 (4/5:30 p.m.).