Victory Puts Canyon in Control of Race

Canyon scored two second-half goals and defeated El Modena, 2-0, Tuesday at El Modena to take control of the Century League girls’ soccer race.

Before Tuesday’s game, the Comanches (16-7, 7-2) were a game behind El Modena and needed a victory to pull even. A tie would have left Canyon a game back with only one remaining.

Canyon defeated the Vanguards (11-9-1, 7-2) in the teams’ first meeting, so this victory, coupled with another over winless Orange on Thursday, would make the Comanches the No. 1 team in the Century League.

A week ago, Canyon was in third place, a game behind El Modena and Foothill. But the Comanches beat Foothill, 3-2, Thursday, to get back in the league race.

Michelle Bannister’s penalty kick in the 65th minute Tuesday gave the Comanches their first goal. Seven minutes later, El Modena sent goalkeeper A.J. Reeder down to the other end in hopes of using her height to score off a penalty kick.

The move backfired as the ball came out at midfield to Bannister, who then passed to Rachelle Locke over the middle. Locke had a few steps on Reeder and maintained it, dribbling the ball all the way into the El Modena goal.

“We knew their game plan was to just try and slow it down and get a tie,” Canyon Coach Alex Camargo said. “We took advantage of it I thought. We just waited for their mistakes and were patient. I think they did real well.”