The Collegian

Issue date: 10/15/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Steven Martinez Emily Greer stays with the ball during the 3-0 victory over West Hills College.

The Lady Mustangs soccer team played keepaway like a bunch of third graders en route to a much-needed 3-0 victory over West Hills College.

According to sweeper Nicole Raley, the game plan was to work the ball up the field as a team, by swinging it back through the defense.

They kept control of the ball for most of the game and kept the opposition from building much of an attack. The tactic worked well and kept the West Hills squad backpeddling.

"This is a building game. We worked on what we practiced this past week and came out today passing and working the ball," said goalkeeper Kianna Williamson.

The dominance of time of possession could only happen with off-the-ball movement and communication. The entire Lady Mustangs' team stepped up as some starters were rested early in the second half to give the reserves some hardy game experience.

"Short kicks and communication were the keys to our success," said fullback Colby Munoz.

"I was looking to pass to anyone that was open," continued midfielder Diedra Rodriguez. "We kept our heads up and wanted to look outside."

Halfback Emily Greer governed the sidelines. She got the crowd roaring and broke a few ankles utilizing her new patented sidestep juke.

Stopper Laura Speer had a breakout offensive game. Speer notched a hat trick. She drilled each of her three goals (off of direct kicks) into the upper crease of the net. The assists must go to speedy forward Megan Domech, who attacked hard on offense and was fouled often. These fouls gave Speer opportunities to directly attack the goal.

"This should give us confidence. We needed this win. We should have won our last two games, but we gave them away," said coach Lloyd Ratto.

This game could provide some much-needed momentum to the Lady Mustangs as they continue their long road through the tenacious Big Seven Conference.

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