Honkers persist, grab home victory

The Willows High girls soccer team proved patience prevails on Thursday afternoon, as they scored a late goal to take a 1-0 win against visiting Anderson in non-league action.

Despite many shots on goal from the Honkers, the beginning of the game became a constant back-and-forth, with both sides getting close enough to fire off shots, but neither putting the ball in the back of the net.

The Honkers came close in the 20th minute when Lynnette Perez nailed the ball from the left, but the shot went far right of the goal, keeping the game open for anyone at 0-0.

Willows began to pick up the pace midway through the first half, as evident by their continued pressure of the Anderson midfield. Anderson had their moments, especially when their forward line came in quickly from the right side, but Honker Fatima Armenta was there every time and kept most runs from the Cubs from getting too close to the goal.

Even with the added pressure and another shot on goal from Jaqueline Gomes late in the first, the score remained 0-0 at the break.

The beginning of the second half came and went, as both teams began to move the ball inside to take closer shots - as well as shooting more often and more aggressively - but continued defensive efforts from both teams kept the game scoreless.

As the clock wound down, the Honkers caught a break when Perez raced down the far-right side before cutting inside and firing off a shot from the right and into the far corner, taking full advantage of the open opportunity when the Anderson keeper left her net unattended in the 75th minute.

The late goal uplifted the home team, and the Honkers buttoned down the back line, not allowing any blue-shirted players into the mix, keeping the score 1-0 as time ran out, giving Willows their third-straight win.

Honkers head coach Bud Ramirez praised his team's effort, highlighting the defense, commenting, "Fatima (Armenta) played a great defensive game. The entire defense did a really good job. Winning three in a row is a good feeling. Kudos to all the players, the three wins are because of good effort on everyone's part."

The Honkers (3-4 overall, 1-0 SVL) host Durham at home on Tuesday afternoon.

CONTACT Emily Saint-Evens at 824-7990 or esaintevens@tcnpress.com