The Amador Valley Girls Varsity soccer team fought valiantly against a tenacious and chippy Liberty squad but in the end were on the losing end by a final score of 3-0. The veteran laden Liberty girls used their speed, size and attitude to challenge the Dons on both the offensive and defensive side of the field and made possession difficult. Goalkeeper Juliet Allen played a very strong game blocking, deflecting and stuffing multiple one-on-one and point blank opportunities from the Lions to keep their scoring to 3 goals. On the offensive side, Alyssa Bardakos, Molly Murphy and Abbie Fried among others matched the Liberty pressure going toe-to-toe with the Lions for possession.

As the game started, it was apparent that the Liberty players’ speed was going to be a constant challenge for the Amador defenders as evidenced by the Liberty quick score in the 3rd minute as an open shooter slammed a ball from the top of the 18 and into the side of the goal. The lead was nearly doubled within the next two minutes as a Liberty forward went head to head with Allen only to have the shot attempt blocked and shooed away. For the next 10-12 minutes, Liberty pushed the ball forward intensely but the Amador defense settled in and was able to keep up with the Lions with strong play by defenders Jenyce Dutcher, Julia Gonsman, Emily Mickelson, Allie Hunter and Summer Langsam. As the half progressed, the Don’s midfield and forwards were able to pick their opportunities with several free kicks and runs only to come up a bit short on each attempt. As the first half ended, the Dons were able to keep the score at 1-0 through good team defense and a very active keeper Allen as she tallied 4 intense saves in the first half alone.

The second half started almost identically as the first with Liberty making a concentrated offensive push and were awarded their second goal off a free kick in the 43rd minute. The beautiful quick kick by Liberty was well placed high and into the side netting. With renewed energy and now a 2-0 lead, the Lions went on an offensive push for the next 10 minutes resulting in Allen being called upon to make three point-blank, breakaway defending stops on Liberty forwards during that period. On the offensive side, the Dons were fighting their own battles as they tried to penetrate the Lion’s defensive back line. Amador’s Alyssa Bardakos, Molly Murphy, Lorna Roberts, Abbie Fried and Tori Sanchez challenged for every ball possession and were able to create some effective offensive chances through their ball control and connected passes. Multiple times, the Amador offense was able to push the ball down the sides of the Liberty defense and launch crossing balls but each was dispatched by the Lions. Amador narrowly missed a legitimate scoring opportunity with Kylie Racer taking a Jenyce Dutcher free kick and sending it over the top of the goal. Liberty closed out the scoring in the 67th minute on a header from a corner kick. Final score – AV 0 – Liberty 3.

As the article heading suggests, the Dons fought valiantly in the loss and undoubtedly gained some important experience that should benefit them in the coming games. Next up for Amador is their first league game when they travel to Livermore tonight, Tuesday 12/20. Come cheer on the Lady Dons!

Stats:

- Shots: AV 3, Liberty 12
- Saves: Allen (AV) 9, Liberty 3
- Offsides: AV 0, Liberty 5
- Corner Kicks: AV 1, Liberty 3
- Fouls: AV 9, Liberty 8
- Yellow Cards – None