The Gilmer High Bobcats and Lady Cats earned dominating soccer wins ahead of spring break.
GHS traveled to Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe last Thursday to face the Warriors for a pair of nonregion matches. The Lady Cats secured the first shutout on the day as four players scored goals in a 5-0 rout.
The Bobcats scored a pair of goals in each half, and the Warriors were unable to crack Gilmer’s defense. GHS was on top 4-0 by game’s end for its seventh win of the season.
The Lady Cats have enjoyed the fruits of a formation change. Head coach Adam Palmer noted it has added width to their attack and sparked the offense.
Gilmer’s goal contingent included Faith Goodwin, Yenifer Lopez, Sophia Lykins and Angelica Castenada. Goodwin scored on a breakaway, while Lopez netted a goal on a free kick from outside the 18-yard box.
Lykins scored two goals in the win and added an assist. Castenada’s goal was her first after spending much of the season at goalkeeper. Lopez added a pair of assists to her stat sheet and Selma Gonzalez had one.
“I’m very proud of the entire team being able to adjust formations from our 5-3-2 to a 4-3-3 system, which against LFO allowed us to spread the field and create more quality scoring opportunities,” Palmer said. “Every varsity player who traveled yesterday contributed on the field to the 5-0 result.
“Amayah Jones had her second clean sheet in goal in a row with four saves on breakaways by LFO,” Palmer said. “She has really delivered and been able to manage the quick change from playing midfield and forward to keeper.”
The Bobcats scored their first goal after 20 minutes of play when Llesion Puac received a through ball and outran the defense. Jorge Flores gave GHS a 2-0 lead. He was able to shake two defenders before launching a 15-yard shot into the back of the net.
GHS added to its lead quickly in the second half. Connor Seim received a pass from Camden Lyles and moved the Cats ahead 3-0 with a goal from the right side of the box.
The final goal came off the foot of Brayner Ortiz when he controlled a cross from the left wing. He tucked his shot from right outside the 18-yard box inside the far post.
“It was a good game overall, and we played well and maintained a decent amount of possession,” said head coach Taylor Johnstone. “We had extremely solid play by the seniors in defense Domingo Lucas Velasquez, Miguel Domingo Bernabe and Diego Jacinto, which were complimented by senior Camden Lyles’ efforts on the offensive end.
“I’m proud of our team and the work they’ve put in this year. I’m especially proud of the seniors and the way they played going into our last regular-season game of the year.”
The win improved the Bobcats’ record to 7-5, while the Lady Cats are 5-5-1. GHS wrapped up the regular season at press deadline versus Wesleyan.