Goals have come in bunches for the Gilmer Lady Cats.
GHS kicked off its soccer season at home last Tuesday and unleashed a 10-goal barrage on the visiting Gordon Central Warriors. The Cats racked up seven goals in the first half and three more over a shortened second half for a 10-0 win.
Gilmer made its way to Murray County Thursday and played from behind for much of the game. However, the Cats erased a two-goal deficit in the second half for a 4-3 triumph.
Five Lady Cats scored against Gordon Central, and Yenifer Lopez started her junior campaign with a three-goal performance.
Amalia Perez Escobar and Calli Wise added two goals apiece, while both Angelica Castenada and Tara Becerra netted a goal.
The seven-point halftime lead forced the second half to be shortened to 20 minutes down from 40. Three more GHS goals ended the game.
“We are happy with the play versus Gordon Central. The team shared the goal scoring and Tara Becerra scored a goal in her first ever soccer game,” said head coach Adam Palmer. “All varsity players were able to play.”
At Murray, the Cats dominated possession but had little to show for their efforts in the first half. Meanwhile, the Indians scored off counter attacks and very quick build-ups.
MCHS took a 1-0 lead with a long shot from the right side that clanked off the far post and into the goal. Gilmer responded with a pair of wide shots by Perez Escobar before a 40-yard goal from Anghelica Castenada.
The Indians then added a pair of goals from over 25 yards to open a 3-1 lead at the break.
Gilmer’s offense continued to press forward to begin the second half with shots from Lopez, Wise and Gimena Domingo-Tercero, which were all saved.
Wise drew the Cats within a goal following a corner kick with 26 minutes left in the game. Eleven minutes later, a Murray handball set up a free kick from 22 yards out. Lopez hit a perfectly struck ball that sailed over the goalkeeper’s head and into the back of the net to even the score.
GHS put the game away with 10 minutes to play. A Lopez ball into the box resulted in a second MCHS handball and penalty. Lopez stepped up to the spot and put Gilmer ahead for good.
“Halftime adjustments made the difference in the result,” said Palmer. “Our keeper Vanessa Velasquez made some great last-minute saves to seal the victory, and has made a huge impact on the team’s ability to utilize all our varsity players in multiple ways. We are very proud of her willingness to step up to play goal when the opportunity presented itself. We are happy with the team’s play so far this season, but will continue the work to improve for future opponents.”
A recap of Gilmer’s 11-2 victory over Fannin County Monday night will appear in next week’s Times-Courier. Gilmer hosts Union County Friday for a 5 p.m. game.