Bulldogs’ Ke’ann Castro prepares to launch the ball down field. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
The St. John’s Knights were literally seconds away from opening their IIAAG Girls Soccer League season with a win.
Instead, Okkodo’s Chyna Ramirez dampened the day with a goal late in the game as the Knights and Bulldogs open their season with a 1-1 tie Monday afternoon at the St. John’s Field.
“It was like 15 seconds before the game ended when she scored the goal, right outside the box,” Bulldogs coach Rod Hidalgo said. “She got the ball, faked out one person and took the shot from 25 yards out.”
The Knights led throughout the match, thanks to a 30 yard lofted goal by freshman standout Destiny Castro in the 17th minute. The rest of the first half and throughout the second half, both teams went back-and-forth with no team really setting the tempo and taking control.
“It was pretty evenly matched,” Hidalgo added.
Knights’ Sandy Kang gets a strong head to the ball. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
As the sun dimmed, the junior Ramirez brought light to her team with the game-tying goal.
Both teams did not make the playoffs a year ago and Hildago said that’s his goal this season.
Saturday’s Games
The defending champion Southern Dolphins opened their defense to the title with a 4-1 win over the Harvest Eagles and the Guam High Panthers took out St. Thomas Aquinas Lions 6-0.
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Bulldogs’ Mellanne Rasmussen and Knights’ Angella Chang rush to the ball to try and gain possession. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
Knights’ Hae Min Song jumps high to head the ball and gain possession. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)