Espinal Leads Warriors to Win in Lancaster

By Brandon Petersen

Angelina Espinal scored twice and collected an assist Saturday morning in Lancaster, where the Warriors got their groove back in a 3-0 win over Antelope Valley. 

Espinal scored in the 10th and 55th minutes, and helped on a Maria Mendez goal in the 28th minute. 

"She's getting more comfortable and confident," Westcliff head coach Jack Gidney said. "Her choices are becoming more aggressive. She's a real talent and makes the difference in games like today."

The Warriors out-shot Antelope Valley, 29-5, and took a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. 

"Incredibly hot morning and a thick grass pitch that drains the legs," Gidney said. "We used the full complement of players available today to manage the conditions. It made the game a little scrappy, but the girls adjusted tactically to UAV dropping the deeper lines.

"Always tough to create changes against a low block, but the team handled it very well."

Gidney played 25 Warriors in the contest.

Ana Martinez Moreno collected the clean-sheet win with one save on one on-frame Pioneer attempt.

"A good clean sheet for Ana Martinez," Gidney said. "With great performances from Merima Boehler and Christine Thorvaldsen to prevent counters."

Karissa Macias saved 18 shots on 21 on-frame Warrior attempts. 

Sofie Fagereng (five shots on goal) picked up the assist on Espinal's final goal. 

"After having battered the goal the past two games, it was nice to see the ball go in," Gidney said. "And even more rewarding to keep a clean sheet."

On Wednesday, the Warriors travel to San Diego Christian for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

Westcliff Soccer's annual Pink Night to promote cancer awareness, will be held at Championship Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 2. 

Simpson will visit from Redding.