Ark Valley News - Hornets improve to 4-1 with two road wins

Hornets improve to 4-1 with two road wins
By Jeremiah Strunk
Last Updated: April 12, 2018

The Valley Center High School soccer team played two games during the past week — against Newton on April 5 and Buhler on April 9 — winning them both. The Hornets improved their season record to 4-1.

The Hornets defeated the Railers 1-0 after a goal midway through the second half.

In the first half, the Hornets were able to maintain possession throughout, but couldn't produce a goal against Newton's defence.

"We maintained strong possession and kept the ball moving the entire time," coach Steen Danielsen said. "But Newton also gave us a lot of pressure, which was a good test for our defense."

Valley was able to find the back of the net in the second half. Venessa Aguilar sent the past Newton's goalie off an assist from Emma Girtz.

The Hornets were able to keep Newton from scoring the rest of the half for the win.

After the victory against the Newton Railers, it was back on the road for the Hornets to face the Buhler Crusaders. The Hornets defeated the Crusaders 4-1.

"This game gave us the opportunity to get a lot of people to play a lot of minutes, which was a great learning experience," Danielsen said.

Valley dominated possession throughout the first half and were able to produce two goals.

The first goal came from Girtz off of an assist from Chelsea John.

Later in the half, the Hornets were able to find the back of the net a second time to lead 2-0. After a corner kick, Alexis Wolff got an assist to Haley Sparks, who headed the ball into the goal. The Hornets led 2-0 at the half.

Early in the second half, the Hornets let up a goal off of a free kick from the Crusaders.

"We had one slip up off of a free kick," Danielsen said. "It was similar to the Maize goal, so it's a learning opportunity."

Valley retaliated with two more goals, another from Girtz, and the fourth from Sydney Wilson off of an assist by Emily Breault.

Valley played at Salina Central April 11 and will host Hutchinson April 12 and Goddard Eisenhower April 16.

JV — The junior varsity team beat Newton 1-0 and Buhler 2-1.