Arizona High School Soccer - Rio Rico held off by Nogales
January 22, 2013: Rio Rico, AZ 85648 The crowd at Tuesday's non-league test between the Nogales Apaches (Nogales, AZ) and the host Rio Rico Hawks (Rio Rico, AZ), saw Nogales's soccer squad get by Rio Rico by a count of 3-2.
The Apaches now hold a 10-9 record. They play next when they host Desert View for a non-league test on Thursday, January 24. Nogales will meet a Jaguars squad coming off a 7-0 non-league loss to Marana (Tucson, AZ). The Jaguars record now stands at 2-10.
With the loss, Rio Rico drops to 5-10 on the season. The Hawks host Amphitheater (Tucson, AZ) to meet the Panthers in a III Section III test on Wednesday, January 23. The Panthers come into the test with a record of 0-15. Amphitheater lost 8-0 in their recent non-league test against Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (Tucson, AZ)
Game Summary
The score of this game does not reflect the play of the Rio Rico Hawks. Rio Rico was leading 2-0 with 15 minutes to go in the game before letting this one slip away. The Hawks were able to control the midfield and shutdown the middle of the field, forcing the Apache to play on the wings which frustrated them. The Hawk forwards also kept the Apache defense very busy playing a fast pace, counter attacking style. In addition to this, the Rio Rico goal keeper Jackie Giron was outstanding. Her aggressive play off of the line and with her defense did not allow for Nogales to play long balls in to the box. She also made some highlight reel type saves.
Both of Rio Rico goals were scored by freshman forward and leading scorer Veronica Cruz. One on a direct kick and the second on a beautiful pass from Ana Rios that broke the off sides trap and set Vero up on a 1v1 with the goalie.
Nogales scored the winning goal with 2 minutes left in the game on a defensive error from a throw in.
