Blaine’s Maya Ball threads a shot past an Anacortes defender for a goal in minute 62 during a home game on Monday, September 18. / Photo By Janell Kortlever
By Oliver Lazenby
Maya Ball scored the Blaine girls varsity soccer team’s first goal of the season on Monday, September 18, but Anacortes fired back late in the game and won 2–1. “Maya Ball is everywhere,” new head coach Gio Quesada said. “Every time the ball is at her feet something happens.”
So far, the Borderites have lost four games and tied one, but Quesada sees the team improving against experienced opponents.
“I’ve seen a lot of improvement in the communication and ball possession; that’s huge,” he said. “Everyone was talking yesterday and working together. I’m really proud of how they’re doing.”
During Monday’s game at Pipeline Fields, Blaine gave up its first goal to Anacortes early, when Gabby Ronngren scored on a pass from Abby Hylton.
Ball scored in minute 62, when she threaded a long shot through two defenders and into the net. With the game speeding up and both teams battling for points, Ronngren faked out Blaine defenders and scored her second goal in minute 68.
Blaine keeper Tessa Kelly rushed forward and slapped Ronngren’s shot, but it still skipped into the goal a couple feet from the post.
Though Blaine’s offense hasn’t yet come together, the team’s defense proved to be strong. Blaine held Anacortes to just 10 shots on goal, with Kelly saving eight. Blaine took 16 shots on goal and had three corner kicks.
Blaine’ started the season with a tough schedule. Its first opponents included high-ranking teams Ferndale, Lynden Christian and three others with winning records.
The Borderites will have a chance to win games in the next two weeks as they play three teams on the bottom of the league standings.
Blaine’s next game is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 21 at Mount Baker (0–5–0).
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