Rangers rock the Coyotes
by Misty Volaski

Following their win in the Laguna Blanca Tournament last week, Nordhoff's Lady Ranger soccer team showed a renewed vigor out on the playing field Tuesday night against Calabasas.
The Rangers dominated the field, keeping the ball in Coyote territory most of the first half. Center fielders Joey Vega, Ally Taylor and Kelsey Gartrell gained command and were able to coordinate plays with outside wings Stacey Canfield and Jill Taylor, opening play for the forwards. This provided Rangers with the chance to take 19 shots on goal, opposed to the Coyotes' four.
"Stacey and Jill played on the wings, constantly creating width, which allowed our centers to make penetrating runs and beautiful passes to make numerous opportunities" for forwards Adi Miller and Ana Levin, Coach Pete Christl commented.
Ally Taylor looked to score in the first minutes, but was tripped by two Coyote fullbacks. A direct kick was called against Calabasas, setting Ally Taylor up for the first Ranger goal.
Calabasas defense picked up after the goal, preventing the Rangers from scoring any more in the first half, bringing the half time score to 1-0 Nordhoff.
The Rangers attacked in the second half with passing plays executed by Chantal Silver, Canfield, Jessica Rigali and Alicia Cattoni, who got the ball up to Miller for two goals and Levin for another.
However a constant disruption of play by referees (who spectators called "whistle-happy") interfered with the Ranger's flow, coach Christl said. "It took us out of our game due to all the interruptions, allowing Calabasas to create scoring opportunities" which resulted in a solitary goal for the Coyotes. It wasn't enough, however, and Nordhoff took the win, 4-1.
"We had some of the best passing and ball movement and switching the field that we've played all year," Christl added.
The Rangers play tonight against the Malibu Sharks, JV at 3:30 p.m. and varsity at 5 p.m.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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