The defending Sonoma County League champion Tigers are well on their way to a repeat in 2016, navigating the first half of the SCL round-robin unscathed with a perfect 6-0 record.
Analy completed its first trip around the circuit last week with a pair of defensive gems, recording successive shutout wins over Sonoma Valley (2-0) and El Molino (4-0).
At press time the Tigers (6-0, 10-2) were preparing to start the second half of league in a critical match at Petaluma on Oct. 4, before returning to Karlson Field for a two-game home-stand against Elsie Allen (Oct. 6) and Piner (Oct. 11). Both varsity matches start at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Lions (2-3, 7-3) remain very much in the postseason picture, balancing the loss to Analy with a 2-1 non-league win over Technical High School. El Molino will resume SCL action with home matches against Sonoma (Oct. 4), Petaluma (Oct. 6) and Elsie Allen (Oct. 11). The varsity games start at 7 p.m.
Tigers blank Dragons, Lions
Analy opened SCL action last week against a strong visiting Sonoma Valley squad, making goals from Tannin Klunis and Lilli Ziemer stand up en route to a 2-0 win. Credit Emily Gristch and Bella Niedermair with assists, while goalie Jennah Copeland recorded the shutout for the Tigers. Analy defenders Amanda Nebozuk, Tannin Klunis, Megan Lucas, Jessie Cahill, Kiara Heacock, Ryan Hernandez and Isabel Housman also played well.
“We had a rough first half because Sonoma moved the ball very well, were first to the ball and we struggled a little bit with maintaining our shape,” Analy coach Brittney Briones said. “The second half was much better, we were able to move the ball around, get stuck in, be first to balls and find open players.”
The Lions played host to the Tigers in the “Apple” match on Sept. 29, as both teams ratcheted up the intensity level in a hard-fought game.
Despite El Mo’s efforts, Analy gained separation with three goals in the opening half, adding an insurance tally after intermission on the way to a 4-0 win. Analy goal scores included Lilli Ziemer (2), Tannin Klunis and Amanda Nebozuk (PK). Assists went to Isabel Housman and Claire Brown.
The girls maintained composure, were able to possess the ball, distribute and defend balls played in,” Briones noted. “Overall, the girls played great soccer and it truly was a team effort.”
The match also proved a good test for the Lions, who walked off the field with plenty of positives to build on.
“I think we’ll be a second half season team,” El Mo coach Emily Farrant predicted, citing outstanding play from goalie Bridgett Niclaes, and starters Grace Anderson, Carly Hittenmiller and Kristine Daniels. “We have now played everyone once and know what to expect. The girls are gaining confidence and momentum.”
