Defense and goalkeeping ruled in Santa Barbara High’s scoreless draw at Saugus in a non-league girls soccer match on Wednesday night.
“A 0-0 tie isn’t the most exciting score line, but tonight both Saugus and our Dons played some quality physical and fast-paced soccer,” Santa Barbara coach Silas Fallstitch said. “In the end, the disciplined units of the respective defenses won the day.”
Holding midfielder Lily Purvis played a solid match along with the Santa Barbara back four.
“Lily Purvis held an incredible defensive shape, and we were very disciplined and didn’t allow any quality chances behind them,” said Fallstitch.
Santa Barbara’s Sofia Capelletti and Cate Hansen but a couple of quality chances on goal but they were stopped by the Saugus goalkeeper.
Sophomore Caroline Koceman kept Saugus off the board with a reaction save on a shot from close range just before halftime. She finished with five saves. Second-half goalkeeper Lia Rodriguez made six saves.
“Big segments of the second half found scrappy play in the midfield, with both sides up to the task of the other,” said Fallstitch. “Purvis picked up great positions, won headers, made tackles and gave our back four the perfect balance of protection and support.”
The result was the second straight clean sheet posted by the Dons against CIF-SS Division 2 teams.
Santa Barbara (1-2-2) plays its home opener on Saturday against Templeton at 11 a.m. at San Marcos.