First Place Tigers Blank San Marino in Girls Soccer 2-0

 

Moving the ball well offensively, focusing on shutting down their opponent’s top players, and playing with composure were all key in South Pasadena High’s 2-0 victory over rival San Marino on the road Wednesday afternoon in Rio Hondo League action.

The Tigers’ win avenged an earlier 1-0 loss to the Titans in the league opener back on Jan. 10 and keeps South Pasadena in first place with a 5-1 record. Overall, the Tigers are 15-3-1 on the season. With the loss, San Marino, fell to 3-3 in league, 9-5-1 overall. La Canada is 3-1-1 (9-5-3), (Temple City is 2-4 (6-12-2), and Monrovia is 0-4-1 (4-7-5)

“We had to keep our cool and focus on creating offensive drives, but at the same time shut down some of their key players,” explained South Pasadena High coach Victoria Lathrop. “It was a total team effort and I couldn’t be more proud. They definitely earned the shutout win tonight.”

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South Pasadena did all of its scoring in the first half as junior Lorraine Tilley, on an assist by junior Uma Hornish, booted in the first goal and Hornish, on an assist by senior Celeste Nieto-Amaya, kicked in the second.

Hornish has 10 goals on the season while Tilley has recorded seven. “They are both a key part of our offensive attack each match, so it’s great to see them play such a big part in our win today,” explained the Tigers’ coach.

Junior goalkeeper Noemi Howland made three saves for South Pas in the first half while senior Sophie Reynolds made two saves in the second half. Lathrop added, “Emma Barrera commanded the Tigers’ defensive line well.”

“Our strategy tonight was to get on the scoreboard early and thwart any offensive push from the Titans by forcing them to turn over the ball at midfield and then quickly counter attack,” explained Lathrop.

South Pasadena finishes up the regular season on Friday at La Canada before facing Temple City Feb. 6 on the road. Then the first-place Tigers can look forward to playing in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.