Buena Youngsters Play Like Teams of Old

Buena High Coach Trisha Butterbaugh began the season selling her girls’ soccer team as a young bunch that would have to learn quickly to be competitive.

Two months later, the Bulldogs remain pups but are beginning to sink their teeth into the opposition.

The Bulldogs scored two goals in the first 11 minutes Saturday and defeated Crescenta Valley, 2-1, in a nonleague game at Crescenta Valley.

“We have three starting freshmen who are really talented and each game they really grow,” Butterbaugh said, referring to midfielders Ashleigh Garmon and Lerin Mundell and forward Natalie Sanderson. “Every game we climb up the stairs a little farther.”

Buena (10-2-4) climbed on top with the first shot of the game in the fourth minute. Forward Shannon Morten dribbled down the left wing, and from a sharp angle, sent a shot into the net off the right post.

Seven minutes later, Darcy Parker of Crescenta Valley was whistled for a hand ball in the Falcon penalty area and the Bulldogs took a 2-0 lead on Sanderson’s penalty shot.

Crescenta Valley (9-2-4) cut the deficit in half three minutes before halftime when Erica Lange headed in a corner kick by Jana Barbaro.

The Falcons were outplayed in the first half, allowing Buena to win loose balls and string together multiple passes. Play was even in the second half and Buena managed only a 11-10 shot advantage.

“The first 20 minutes we were totally out of sync and they were dominating,” Crescenta Valley co-Coach Bud Dain said.

“But I’m happy we never quit and we got better as the game went on.”

Butterbaugh, who lost six starters from last season’s team, has the Bulldogs rounding into shape for a run at their fifth consecutive Channel League title and Southern Section division semifinal berth.

“Our big goal is high defensive pressure and when we win the ball, to control it for 85% of the game,” she said.

“We still do some little things wrong but I was pleased today.”

Buena is 2-1-1 against Crescenta Valley in the past three seasons.

Crescenta Valley won, 3-0, in January of 1996 and Buena won, 1-0, a year ago. The teams tied, 1-1, earlier this season in the Simi Valley tournament.