FRESNO -- The Orchard Valley Toros' 13-and-under girl's soccer team successfully defended its Fresno Metro Halloween Tournament championship, reeling off an undefeated 3-0-1 record in the 14-and-under bracket.
The Toros again were playing up an age bracket per the tournament organizers. The age groups were mixed between 12- and 13-year-old players.
In a rematch of last year's championship game, Orchard Valley blanked the K-Town Kickers 2-0 in Sunday's title match.
Play went back and forth for much of the opening half before Jamie Lanz was able to net the first goal off of a great pass by midfielder Sophia White. The second half stayed much the same with both teams playing feverishly on offense. Meghan Noyes scored the Toros' second goal after jumping on a loose ball and coolly threading it past the oncoming goalkeeper.
Orchard Valley reached the championship game after winning in impressive fashion against Fresno Illusion. The Toros needed to win -- and win big -- to make the finals. This meant scoring three goals while holding the Illusion scoreless. Orchard Valley did just that and more, winning 5-0.
The Toros held a 3-0 lead by halftime with tallies by Lanz, Sabrina Rice and Noyes. Orchard Valley's defense worked a shutout behind Amy Kryston, Paris Keane, Emily Barham, Rebecca Rottenborn and Gina Rodriguez. Shannon Rauschnot and Rice provided one goal apiece in the second half.
In their second game of the tournament, the Toros rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat the Folsom Lightning 3-2. Folsom scored twice in the first 10 minutes, but Orchard Valley climbed back with the help of a goal by Lanz just before halftime. The Toros dominated the rest of the way.
Orchard Valley mounted a strong start in its opening game of the tournament against Forza del Rio, but settled for a 2-2 tie.
The Toros' Anne Lopez scored in the first minute off of a pass from Cailin McCarry. Forza del Rio answered quickly with a goal, tying the game at 1-all.
Orchard Valley went ahead when Lauren Ginn fed outside halfback Brianna Barron for a goal toward the end of the half. Forza del Rio countered quickly again, though, and the score was knotted at 2-2 going into the break.
After a halftime talk with coaches Kevin Dunwoodie and Joe Noyes, the Torros came out strong in the second half and created several scoring opportunities. Meghan Noyes and Rauschnot both struck the post on free kicks.
Orchard Valley ended the weekend at 6-0-1 overall and next plays in the District Cup to end the fall season.
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