Paige Ingram scored from near midfield for the game’s only goal as San Marcos defeated Santa Barbara, 1-0, in a Channel League girls soccer match on Super Soccer Saturday at San Marcos.
From 35 yards out, Ingram ended up with the ball, saw that the keeper was out and drilled a shot into the back of the net.
“Paige Ingram had a physical game and played with such intensity winning 50/50 balls that were near her,” said San Marcos coach Jennifer Sotelo. “We had a game plan and my girls stuck to it and played with heart and intensity.”
“The crosstown rivalry did not disappoint,” said Santa Barbara coach Bridget Thomson. “It was a battle till the end.”
Hayden Randolph played a strong game in the midfield for the Dons and had several looks on goal. Bri Lopez led the Santa Barbara defense.
San Marcos stepped up its game after allowing three goals in its league opener.
“The pressure did not stop by my girls and they continued to pressure and pressure. Evony Diaz, Sofia Higgins and Sofia Orozco fought up top and were resilient with constant pressure,” said Sotelo. “Caroline Mikkelson owned the midfield and won every ball near her. She won balls in the air as well as anything on the ground. She was the epitome of vigor and energy.”
The San Marcos defense was led by centerbacks Julie Alaniz and Sierra Chesluk. Outside backs Aisli Suzuki and Ayla Sutter held Santa Barbara’s strikers to minimal shots.
“Anna Kirk made sensational saves and made great decisions all match as the keeper,” said Sotelo.
“I am so proud of the way they played and the intensity that they brought to the field,” she said of her players. “They dominated the majority of the game and they deserved the win.
The Royals and Dons are both 1-1 in league.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.