Editor’s Note: The Advocate & Democrat reached out to the Sequoyah staff for a roster, schedule and comment for this story, but did not hear back prior to press time.
Sweetwater soccer did not have the first half that the staff wanted, but the Lady Wildcats still came out on top in a rivalry clash on Aug. 20.
Behind two first half goals, Sweetwater bested Sequoyah on the road for a 3-0 victory.
The Lady Wildcats have had a strong start to the year. Scoring 15 goals and allowing none, the program is off to a 3-0 start while Sequoyah drops to 0-2 based on available records.
“They are very positive. Right now we have to use the momentum to keep playing as good as we are. I think they are motivated, positive and they are working very hard,” Sweetwater coach Ricardo Torres said. “I think since we conditioned all summer long, it has been the difference. Because of conditioning, when we had the chance to start soccer drills, we did. I think the time we invested in the summer will pay off throughout the season.”
Bella Hicks opened the scoring for the Lady Wildcats, taking in a cross and touching around the defender before putting her one-on-one shot with the keeper into the upper left side of the net.
Hicks added a second goal later in the first half, dribbling inward and whipping in a ball that eventually was turned into the net for a 2-0 lead in the opening half.
Ally Gonzalez added a third goal in the second half, finishing off a pass from Hicks.
Sweetwater made a change in shape at the break, stepping into a 4-3-3 that helped push speedy freshman Marian Angel forward and allowed senior defensive midfielder Mirie Gonzalez to step more into the midfield slot.
“The first half was bad. I could tell the girls were trying hard and hustling but, for some reason, the mental part … I know they wanted to win so hard, but they did not focus on the basic things like stopping the ball and making runs,” Torres said. “I think what woke them up was that everybody relaxed and calmed down.”
Controlling possession more, Sweetwater was able to play more aggressively and locate passes more fluidly.
“We did not score as many goals as we should but, definitely, the second half was more of the type of game we want to play,” Torres added.
Alysa Gage continued to help establish the midfield with Denisse Tinajero and Evanna Morales-Smitty creating movement on the wing.
The Lady Wildcats have put together 240 minutes of soccer without conceding. Senior Emory Arwood helps establish the defensive line alongside Gonzalez with Isabelle Croft adding help from outside.
Senior Jalei Sanchez stands in the net.
“Last year to this year, our defense is our strongest line. We are very secure and very aggressive. They are connected more with one another,” Torres said. “They are going into the attack a little more, which I really love that. As a coach, I don’t want them to take big risks, but that is something I want them to do.”
Sequoyah returns to action in the Smoky Mountain Cup — facing Cosby, West Ridge and Lexington over the weekend.
Sweetwater faces Maryville Christian on Tuesday before diving into district play with CGLA, Tellico and Polk County.
“I am very happy with the performance through the first three games, but it is just the start of the season. I am happy, but I am still expecting more from the team,” Torres said. “Not only on the scoreboard but with the way we play. That is something that I want to work this week is building up from the back. So by the time we get to the district tournament we are in better shape.”
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