Santa Fe Girls Soccer Opens Season with Win

Santa Fe girls soccer defeated the Eastside Rams 1-0 Tuesday night to open the season. 

After an unsuccessful season last year (1-16-1) the Raiders were determined to start this season with a win.

Santa Fe lost both of its games at the 22nd Twin Lakes Preseason Classic hosted by Keystone Heights on Saturday. The Raiders lost to Keystone Heights 4-0 and Williston 1-0. 

However, those two losses turned into a “W” halfway into the first half Tuesday at Eastside when freshman Ansley Jett scored a goal. The ball was placed low and to the corner, sneaking past the Eastside goalkeeper. 

The Raiders made 22 shots on goal, but were only able to put one away. 

Though one goal is not the lead many teams would feel comfortable with, Santa Fe’s defense held strong throughout the game.

The Raiders’ back line only gave up two shots, both saved by goalie Delaney Desalvo. 

Coach Shawn Kowatch said a defensive assistant coach was added to the staff to help develop the strength of his young team.

“We’ve really been establishing that back line and how we move in that back line, and it’s shown to be phenomenal,” Kowatch said. “We’re really stepping up on that defensive side.”

The defense wasn’t the only side of the field that played strong Tuesday night. All sides played their part, maintaining a majority of the possessions. 

Kowatch is practically starting over this season with a young roster. There is only one senior and four juniors on the 26-person squad. The second-year  coach is focusing on the growth of the team. 

“We really preach family to them, so we’re working hard to grow,” Kowatch said. 

Santa Fe will play at P.K. Yonge (1-0) at 7 p.m. Thursday. 

Category: Eastside High School, High School Sports, Santa Fe High School