Two Teams Find Change is Good: Folsom Discovers Offense; Rio Americano Turns to Defense
By Quwan Spears, The Sacramento Bee, Calif.
Apr. 13–Two area soccer teams are finding out that relying on the same old methods isn’t always the best way to continue winning.
The Folsom and Rio Americano girls squads have learned that lesson big time this soggy spring.
What began as a regular game in Modesto turned out to be a key moment in Folsom’s season.
The Bulldogs’ Annette Dupont passed to teammate Paige Tucker, who passed to Sandy Hanania on the right. Hanania then booted a laser shot on goal, but the shot was blocked.
Although the Bulldogs battled Beyer of Modesto to a 0-0 nonleague tie March 8, Folsom midfielder Halee Elmore discovered something interesting about her team. It had the ability to score.
"We didn’t get any in that game, but I went home thinking this team could be really good offensively," Elmore said. "We passed the ball really great, and everybody played well together. I thought if we keep this up, we could do some good things this season."
Elmore’s prediction has become a reality. The Bulldogs (8-1-2 overall, 7-1 Delta League) are winning with offense. It’s a new wrinkle for the normally defensive-minded Bulldogs.
"I’m pleased, excited and surprised by the way we’ve played," Folsom coach Mike McBride said. "We’ve always had great defensive teams. But this year we have finishers on offense. When an opportunity develops, we’ve been able to take advantage."
The proof is in the stats. Folsom scored 30 goals in its first 10 games last season. This season, the Bulldogs have scored 41 in 10 matches.
"This team is so much different in comparison to last year," Dupont said. "We’re really attacking teams offensively, and that has really built our confidence."
Pacing the Bulldogs is Tucker, a sophomore forward with a team-high 11 goals.
"Paige wins a lot of balls for us," sophomore backfielder Brooke Harrison said. "She’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to score. She has great technique, works well with the ball and knows how to move around players."
Others contributing for the Bulldogs include seniors Hanania and Dupont. Hanania has eight goals, and Dupont is tied with Tucker for the team lead in assists with five.
Like Folsom, Rio Americano is winning in a different way. Traditionally a strong offensive team, the Raiders (5-0-3, 5-0-2 Capital Athletic League) have resembled an impenetrable wall on the defensive end.
The Raiders gave up seven goals in as many games a year ago. In eight contests this season, the Raiders have given up just one, fewest in the Sacramento area.
Defense has become the Raiders’ mantra because they lack a go-to player on offense. Senior striker Lindsey Johns, an All-CAL performer last season, has yet to play in a league game because of a sprained ankle.
As a result, the Raiders have turned to their defense to win games.
"I told the girls since we don’t have that strong offensive weapon that defense had to be our strength," Raiders coach Dan Cruz said. "I’m very pleased that the girls have taken on that responsibility and have listened to what I’ve tried to explained to them."
Heading the Raiders’ stellar defensive effort is senior sweeper Raquel Moon. She’s energized a team that clogs holes and prevents teams from advancing the ball.
"She’s really stepped up this season," Cruz said. "We moved her from outside fullback to sweeper this season, and she’s done a great job."
Cruz also credits junior goalie Kelsey Adair for the team’s defensive success. She has a .200 goals-against average in 400 minutes played. She has allowed just one goal, in a 2-1 victory over Del Campo on March 29, and has four shutouts.
"Last season, she wasn’t used to the ball being kicked to her so hard," Cruz said. "Now she’s playing with more confidence and is more aggressive in goal."
While others on the team may be surprised by the Raiders’ defense, Moon is not. She saw the potential during a preseason scrimmage.
"I think it was against Yuba City," she said. "Everyone was playing together. Everybody was hustling to get back, help and defend. When I saw that, I knew we had the potential to be a good defensive team."
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