Varsity girls soccer lost 1-2 against Diamond Bar in their Branding Iron game at home on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
At the start of the game, the Brahmas were pushing forward, trying to score with any opportunity they had. With the Mustang’s strong defensive plays, Diamond Bar faced an offensive slump. As the Brahmas stole the ball, the Lady Mustangs would catch up and steal it back. Throughout the first half, both teams had several changes of ball possession and well-executed plays and passes.
Striker junior Isabella Aguilar passed it to winger sophomore Ellie Lopez and was able to avoid defenders, allowing Lopez to score the first goal for Walnut in the 25th minute. After the goal, Diamond Bar went on full offense, attempting to score against Walnut’s defenders, who lined up to block any possible kick. The first half ended 1-0.
“In the first half we had more control over the ball. We connected passes and worked together. I feel like our performance was good. We were overall the better team,” striker sophomore Jayla Castillo said.
The Lady Mustangs faced a difficult start in the second half. After several turnovers by Walnut, the Brahmas were attacking at full speed, attempting to score inside and outside the penalty box. Although an attempt was blocked by goalie senior Talisa Perez, Diamond Bar scored their first goal on the second attempt 36 minutes in. After struggling with defense and ball possession, the Mustangs gained momentum with their blocks and catches, stealing the ball and making accurate passes. In the last two minutes of the game, the Brahmas scored their second goal. Although the Lady Mustangs tried to have a comeback with a few goal attempts, the game ended 1-2.
“I would say be aware of my surroundings and to know who’s around me and where I am on the field. I could definitely improve on that. I also learned to trust myself and to be confident,” forward freshman Mia Olivares said after experiencing her first varsity game against Diamond Bar.
Although the game was challenging for the team, it helped the players realize what they can continue to work on.
“We’re going to work on a lot of shooting. We’ve got to finish. We created many chances so I’m not too worried. We just got to put the ball in the net,” head coach Manny Basulto said.
![Playing offense | Right wing senior Sharl Gonzalez attempts to pass the ball to his teammate, striker senior Oscar Feria (not pictured). “I trusted [Oscar] enough to pass him the ball, so I felt like if I got him the ball he would have been okay, and it would have helped the team,” Gonzalez said. “I felt disappointed in the result of the game, but I feel like as a team we tried our best.”](https://whshoofprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/soccer-1200x832.jpeg)
