Skyline tops Mountain Crest 1-0

<strong>HYRUM—</strong> For the second consecutive game of the young season, one goal was the difference for the Mountain Crest girl’s soccer team. The Mustangs fell to the Eagles of Skyline High School Saturday, 1-0.

“We just have to be in better shape,” MC head coach Dennis Giles said. “They were in better shape and we struggled a little bit. We just have to wake up to that fact and come in shape.”

Both sides had a solid first half that became a back and forth affair.

Mountain Crest (0-2, 0-0) controlled possession early and had several opportunities early on, but Skyline goalkeeper Alli Spencer stepped up for the Eagles to keep the ball out of the net. Each time the Mustangs pressed forward, Spencer was quick to start the counter-attack, providing multiple chances for the Eagles.

MC goalkeepers had a busy day in the net – facing eight first half shots – but the Mountain Crest defense didn’t crack, turning away numerous threats by the Eagles frontline duo of Ashley Aberton and Jaslyn Masina.

After battling to a 0-0 tie at the intermission, it was all Eagles in the second half.

Stamina, endurance and inexperience hurt the Mustangs, causing poor passing and struggles to maintain possession.

Despite constant advance from a Skyline squad that fields 12 seniors, the defense turned away shot after shot, including a pair of tough saves that were pushed up and over the crossbar.

The Mustangs finally found their way into the attacking third by way of a midfield pass being flicked on to players down the wings.

“We’re struggling at the forward position a little bit,” Giles said. “But our wings have done a good job of getting the ball in and making things happen that way. And our defense is working better, it’s stronger.”

However, in the 60th minute, Skyline capitalized on a Mountain Crest miscue on a quick counter-attack. After Aberton’s first shot was deflected by a defender just outside the 18-yard-box, she cleaned up with a right-footed blast to put the Eagles on top.

The goal proved to be the difference as the Mustangs were unable to convert on late opportunities. Skyline outshot Mountain Crest 20-6 for the match, and had five corners to just one for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs now travel to Clearfield Tuesday for their next match, which is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.

“We beat Clearfield last year, but I have no idea how they’re going to be this year,” Giles said. “It’s just a matter of taking these preseason games and learning.”

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!