Husky Newcomer Scores Lone Goal to Give Team, Coach First Win

by Cerwin D Haynes

(photos by La Anh San Nham)

Despite being blown out in their season opener, ELAC Women's Soccer head coach Jessica Correll wasn't terribly worried. She had recruited some late additions to the team that were in the process of having their eligibility approved - additions she believed would give her squad a big boost.

One said addition, forward Estela Sanchez, provided the boost today. She scored the team's first goal of the season in the 27th minute, and the Huskies' defense made it stand up for a 1-0 win over the Cougars of West LA College (0-3-1). It's the first win (1-1) of the season for East, and the first long-awaited win of Coach Correll's tenure.

ELAC was agressive for most of the first half: they were able to cut off West's passing lanes and pressure the Cougars on the dribble. This helped them play the majority of the half on their offensive side of the field - a tactic that was largely absent last year. Sanchez's speed was a huge factor in keeping the Huskies on the offensive, and she was rewarded when her strike found the back of the net.

In the second half, fatigue began to sap the juice out of ELAC's attack. West was able to force ELAC onto the defensive for most of the last 45 minutes - outshooting East 9-2.  But thanks to a combination of determined defense and clutch goalkeeping, East LA was able to turn away West LA's scoring chances and hold on for the win.

HUSKY BITS

• Sanchez, a product of Warren HS, played one season at UC Santa Barbara back in 2016. She had all three Huskies' shots on goal.
• GK Michelle Ortiz got the win, credited with five saves in the shutout.
• Coach Correll got treated to a Gatorade (well, water) bath after the game to celebrate her first win.

UP NEXT:

ELAC begins a three-game road trip next week as they visit Irvine Valley Sept 13, LA Pierce on Sept 16, and College of the Desert on Sept 20. Afterward, they'll have a 10-day break before they host Cerro Coso on Sept 30.