Girls’ soccer: Knights’ streak nearly disappears in a flash

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Lancaster Desert Christian Coach Deann Lewis spent most of Saturday’s Division VI first-round playoff game exasperated, wondering what it would take for her team to score. Despite their overwhelming advantage in shots the top-seeded Knights trailed wild-card winner Fillmore, 1-0, with the clock ticking under 10 minutes.

‘It felt like there was an invisible shield across the goal that we just couldn’t penetrate,’ Lewis said. ‘There’s a lot of pressure when you’re expected to win.’

Finally, eight minutes from full time, Cara Eskenazi headed in a cross by Robyn Estrada to tie the score. Less than two minutes later, Jaide Garcia half-volleyed a pass from Eskenazi into the net for the go-ahead goal and the Knights held on for a 2-1 victory.

The Flashes’ breakaway goal in the first 10 minutes clearly rattled the High Desert League champions. ‘We panicked when they scored first,’ Lewis confessed. ‘It’s only the seventh goal we’ve given up all season so we’re not used to being behind.’

The win extended Desert Christian’s unbeaten streak to 41 games and brought the Knights one step closer to a second consecutive section title (they were co-champions with Ontario Christian last year). The last time they were in jeopardy of losing was at the Lancaster tournament in December when the Knights scored in the final five minutes to tie Agoura, 1-1.

Lewis hopes this latest scare will strengthen her team’s resolve.

‘It’s good to get a wake-up call in the beginning,’ she said. ‘Games are usually closer in the playoffs.’

Sometimes too close for comfort.

-- Steve Galluzzo

- Image: viking.coe.uh.edu