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By Colin Leon Guerrero

Cougars’ Gemilie Ilao scores the first goal for her team in the second half. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The defending champion Southern High Dolphins start their season with a W after wearing out the Academy Cougars 3-2 at Agueda Johnston Middle School Wednesday afternoon in IIAAG high school girls soccer action.

Both teams looked uncomfortable on the field, being that it was a smaller field than they are used to. However, Southern adapted to the field early.

Not even a full minute into the first half, April Talledo jolted pass a couple of defenders enabling herself to kick the ball past Academy goalie Mya Sanchez giving Southern the 1-0 lead. Southern used their aggressive play to keep the Cougars on their toes winning most of the battles on the field for the first half as they controlled the pace and momentum.

The Dolphins continued their relentless attack in the second half as Paige Surber launched a beautiful free kick over Sanchez extending Southern’s lead 2-0 five minutes into the second half.

McDonald’s Player of the Game: Dolphins’ Paige Surber

Moments later Cierra Camacho found Gemilie Ilao on the wing to punch a goal for Academy chipping the lead 2-1 as Academy seemed poised for a comeback. However, Surber again killed the Cougars momentum scoring a goal off of a header on a corner kick pass from teammate Zoe Surber increasing the lead 3-1 midway through the second half.

With time winding down Academy was able to score again after a beautiful mid-field pass from Mia Santos found Ilao who was able to beat Southern’s keeper Lorrainna Sanchez pulling the Cougars within one goal.

Surber could have ended the game with a hat trick after a highlight-reel free kick, but the officials called it back due to the kick being indirect.

“We got a long season ahead of us, and this game shows that we’re progressing in the right direction,” said Surber who also mentioned that there are a couple of new faces on the team, and that they have to work on communicating. “As the season progresses the more we will begin to blend together, which will help us get where we want to be,” added Surber.

OTHER WEDNESDAY GAMES

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Dolphins’ Tianna Sakaba goes up to head the ball with Cougars defenders all around. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cougars keeper Mya Sanchez jumps high to defend but was unable to get high enough as the ball flies past her into the goal. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cougars’ Mia Santos attempts a penalty kick late in the game. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Dolphins’ Tianna Sakaba takes a shot at the goal in the closing minutes of the first half. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Dolphins’ Zoe Surber looks to pass the ball through the defense of Cougars’ Morgan Quinley. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Dolphins’ Paige Surber takes a shot at the goal off a penalty kick. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Dolphins’ Tianna Sakaba and Cougars’ Tana Ramos sprint towards the ball to try and gain control. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

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