Runaway Warrior Express Steams Through Agoura

The runaway train also known as the Westlake High girls’ soccer team continued to barrel through the Marmonte League, with the undefeated Warriors downing second-place Agoura, 2-1.

After recently feasting on the circuit’s lesser teams, Westlake (15-0-1, 9-0 in league play) took a large step Friday toward a league championship in defeating a quality opponent. The Warriors, No. 1 in The Times’ regional rankings, led, 2-0, at halftime and withstood strong play by the Chargers in the second half.

Jenna Ainsworth had a goal and an assist and Jenna Wirtz had two assists for Westlake, which dominated Agoura (11-5-2, 6-2-1) in the first 15 minutes.

“I think we caught them off-guard by coming out so hard,” Wirtz said. “Last time [in a 2-1 Westlake victory] they got the first goal and dictated play at the start.”

Agoura, which hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in five seasons, has been somewhat of a surprise in league play. But the Chargers simply didn’t have the weapons or the desire to match their opponent.

“They wanted it more,” said Agoura midfielder Julie Stuart, who has committed to Pepperdine. “They play more as a team because they’re willing to move for each other, and at a dead sprint, not a jog.”

The Warriors won a majority of loose balls and forced numerous turnovers with intense defensive pressure.

“We really push our players, not only for endurance but to [be active] whether they have the ball or not,” said Rick Hansen, Westlake coach. “I require these ladies to have a lot of passion on the field.”

Westlake opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Ainsworth sent a short corner kick to Wirtz, who beat a defender along the end line and crossed the ball to Lauren Loftus near the right post, where she redirected it into the net.

The Warrior lead moved to 2-0 eight minutes before halftime on a play that began when a charging Wirtz jarred the ball free from Agoura goalkeeper Shaughnessy O’Corrigan, who lay sprawled on the left side of the penalty area.

From the corner, Wirtz lofted a cross off the hand of the retreating goalkeeper and into the goal mouth, where Ainsworth tapped it in.

Stuart scored for Agoura on a 20-yard free kick 16 minutes into the second half but the slow start had doomed the Chargers.

“I could tell [the players] were nervous and they took that out onto the field when the game started,” said Kim Warren, Agoura coach. “But I’m really pleased we didn’t give up in the second half. At least we connected multiple passes and moved the ball forward.”