Burbank girls’ soccer battles back

BURBANK HIGH — The Burbank High girls’ soccer team rallied in the second half of Friday afternoon’s Pacific League match with rival Burroughs for a come-from-behind, crucial victory.

Dakota Briseno scored both goals for the Bulldogs in their 2-1 win on their home field. Burbank is tied for second in the Pacific League with Arcadia.

Burroughs got its lone goal from Emma Pineiro in the first half, and drops to fourth place in the league with a 5-2 record.

“Their goal was soft,” said Burbank Coach Eric Montoya, whose team improves to 9-6-1, 4-1-1 in Pacific League play. “I told the [girls] at halftime that we’re playing a better game. I knew they were going to come out pumped.”

Briseno’s game-tying goal was set up by Clarissa Guerrero, who battled for the ball and gained possession to find Briseno streaking toward the front of the net.

The Indians had become complacent after their early goal, but started pressuring again after Burbank’s score. The Bulldogs’ defense held firm, though, and didn’t allow Burroughs to get anything going on offense.

Burbank held time of possession and controlled the ball until it resulted in the game-winning goal with just over 20 minutes left in the contest. A corner kick from Briseno led to a header inside from Alessia Dal Monte that Indians keeper Miranda Keakul was able to get her hands on.

Moments later, with Burbank still threatening, Dal Monte’s shot hit the crossbar in a dangerous spot for Keakul, as Briseno was able to capitalize on with a rebound. The junior’s first shot was off the mark, but she was able to follow up her own shot and find the back of the net.

“Dakota’s two goals were the difference maker,” Montoya said. “We were able to weather the storm and get ours late.”

Burroughs gave it one last gasp before the final whistle blew. The Indians’ offense struggled in the second half and never gave Burbank keeper Sarah Rangwala trepidation.

“I think there was euphoria from Wednesday’s game,” said Indians Coach Eddie Garcia about the team’s 1-0 win over Arcadia. “We came in a little cocky, and I think the confidence was our down fall.”

The Bulldogs will stay home and host Pasadena Tuesday afternoon. Burroughs will host Hoover.

Burbank and Burroughs will meet again on Feb. 7 to close out the Pacific League season.