Providence girls’ soccer celebrates more Independence
LOS ANGELES — In between the Hollywood hills and the Los Angeles downtown skyline, the Providence High girls’ soccer team had plenty to celebrate Wednesday.
Providence looked to win a second straight Independence League championship, needing one win to accomplish the feat.
Providence answered the bell, receiving two goals apiece from Micaella Haban and Sophia Malki to earn a 5-1 win against Pilibos at L.A. City College.
Fresh off winning the program’s first league crown last season, the Pioneers (10-0-2, 6-0 in league) showed plenty of hunger under first-year coach Brett LeQuesne.
“I took over and really didn’t know too much about the team, other than we had a lot of freshmen,” LeQuesne said. “After a couple of games, I could see the talent we have and they started to show a lot of improvement with each game.
“After the first league game or two, you could see how much they really wanted to win league again and there’s a lot to be proud of here. We have a lot of skill level, which is good, and they all know how to get involved and contribute.”
Providence, ranked eighth in CIF Southern Section Division VII, swept the two meetings with Pilibos (5-3, 4-2). The Pioneers posted a 3-0 win against the Eagles on Jan. 10.
Providence, which has outscored its opponents, 68-5, controlled the pace throughout the first half and broke through in the 11th minute. Haban made a nifty cross to Malki, who beat Pilibos goalkeeper Rosie Oganesian with a low shot.
Providence maintained its lead heading into the second half before breaking the match open.
The Pioneers made it 2-0 in the 45th minute on a goal by Haban.
“We played well in the first half, but we knew we needed to keep going in the second half if we wanted to win league,” said Haban, a sophomore forward. “We got that second goal and then we made it 3-0 and we were relieved. It means something to win league again and we still have more goals ahead.”
Malki made it 3-0 off an assist from Shannon Walsh in the 48th minute.
Providence saw its bid for a sixth straight shutout come to an end when Pilibos’ Areni Hamparian lined a 25-yard shot by Providence goalkeeper Nicole Rochart in the 51st minute.
Haban extended the lead to 4-1 in the 65th minute on a shot inside the left post and Kelly Fitzgerald closed out the scoring in the 73rd minute.
Providence limited Pilibos to three shots on goal.
“We knew what we had to do and we did it by staying focused,” said Malki, a freshman midfielder. “We played very well in the first half and we knew we were going to have to play even better in the second half. We were able to stay in control and it’s great to help the team win league.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
