2008 Woodie Awards
Lady Vaqueros Come Out with an Important Tie
Robert Radich
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Sports
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Even though the game ended in a 0-0 tie, the Vaqueros were pleased with the results.
"This tie is a sign of how strong we are," said Vaquero head coach Jorge Mena. "It just hasn't gone our way in terms of finishing this year."
This season the Vaqueros have been inconsistent on offense. One game they'll find their rhythm, and the next match they can't score.
Chilly 60-degree weather at Sartoris Field was expected to be a factor, but as the whistle blew to signal the start of the game, both teams came out with full intensity and there was no sign of slowing down.
In this game, the Vaqueros needed to strategize if they intended to keep up with this fast Brahma squad.
"Coming into this game, we needed to eliminate mistakes and slow the game down," said Mena. "We also needed to keep control of the ball, so we could maintain the team's formation."
In the 21st minute , coach Mena was penalized with a yellow card for yelling at the referee.
"There was a handball near our goal and they nearly scored on us," said Mena. "I told him,'you can't wait for the line judge, you have to make the call.' "
As the game forged ahead, the Brahmas seemed to be destined to score first because of the pressure they were placing on the Vaquero goalkeeper, Monica Rosales. However, the Vaqueros shifted the attack and made a push into Brahma territory.
A near score by Vaquero forward Aralia Delapena changed the momentum in the first half. She obtained a loose ball 30 yards out, slipped around a defender, banged a straight shot from the left side of the field and into the hands of the Brahma goalkeeper, Natasha Jackson.
One of the strengths the Brahmas have is a deep bench. At one point, Adolfo Perez, head coach of the Brahmas, subbed three players at a time to keep fresh legs on the field.
Mid-way through the first half Mena decided to take out Tatiana Aguirre, so he could save her for the second half. This was a big move because Aguirre has been an important player on this team throughout the season.
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