By Robert Balajadia
The Southern Dolphins got a clutch goal from freshman standout Colleen Naden to best the Academy Cougars 2-1 at the GFA Training facility in Harmon Wednesday evening.
The Cougars had just tied the game off a penalty kick from Gemilie Ilao at 1-1 before Southern quickly responded.
After Southern held control of the ball, Naden received a pass from a teammate and blasted through the Cougars defense to get a one-on-one with goalie Mya Sanchez, hitting the bottom right of the goal box scoring the go ahead goal.
Dolphins’ April Talledo attempts a header off a pass from teammate Zoe Surber. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
“After Academy’s goal, we decided to go out there and give it our all and get the win and try and continue to win through out the rest of the season,” said Naden.
Much like the opening season game against Harvest, Naden scored the first and last goal of the game to give the Dolphins the win.
Naden scored the first goal midway through the first half after beating the Cougar defense for a great shot on Sanchez.
Facing an 1-0 hole, Academy needed a spark on offense and got just what they were looking for from Mia Santos who kept the pressure on the Dolphin defense. Santos attempted a shot from the outside hitting the hand of Dolphins defender Tanya Flores which set up the penalty kick for Ilao.
Ilao sent the ball high and out of reach of Dolphins goalie Lorraina Sanchez tying the game a goal each.
Naden then took control down the stretch once again lifting the Dolphins in the final minutes of the game already proving to be one of the league’s most exciting players in just her freshman year. Naden is a rookie in high school soccer, but not a rookie to the sport having played soccer at a young age.
“This is helping me ease into high school soccer. I’m becoming more confident with the ball and it’s helping me out with my future career in soccer,” admitted Naden.
She’s also used to the media attention having often competed in adult leagues.
“It’s somewhat normal to me since I play in the women’s league. It’s good for future references for college.”
The Cougars and Dolphins had each won their season opener on Saturday heading into Wednesday 1-0 with the Dolphins now 2-0 while the Cougars drop to 1-1.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Dolphins’ Nadine Caloeta attempts a header against Cougars’ Morgan Quinley. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Dolphins’ goalie Lorraina Sanchez tries to block the penalty kick. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Cougars’ Gemilie Ilao attempts the penalty kick late in the second half. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Dolphins’ Zoe Surber sends a pass forth in the first half. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Cougars’ goalie Mya Sanchez battles for possession of the ball. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Dolphins’ Colleen Naden works the ball against the defense early in the first half. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
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QUICK HITS
Matsuno’s second place finish earned him an invitation to compete in the FCG Junior Golf Championship to be held in July 2025.
A junior at St. John’s, he is also currently leading the IIAAG high school All-Island golf competition, chasing the coveted individual high school golf title.
