DIVISION I-A: Faith Lutheran proves point, tops Pahrump

Faith Lutheran’s Arianna Weide wanted to prove a point Saturday in the Division I-A Southern Region girls soccer final at Heritage Park.

After ending Pahrump Valley’s bid at a perfect record in the final game of the regular season, the senior set out to show that the Crusaders aren’t simply spoilers but a major force.

Point taken.

With the aid of a first-half goal from Weide, Faith Lutheran beat the defending Class 4A state champion Trojans 2-0 to capture its first region title since 2008. 

“I know they didn’t expect us to win again,” Weide said. “They just said the last game they didn’t come out as strong, because they knew they were going to be first. It was just good to show them that we can beat them a second time.”

In the sixth minute, Emily Neighbors located Weide outside the right corner of the box, and the midfielder booted a shot just beyond the reach of Pahrump’s goalkeeper. 

Faith Lutheran (16-6-2) added an insurance goal in the 70th minute when Kristi Chinn scored off a pass from Morgan Bracey. Kelly Zufall earned the shutout for the Crusaders with five saves.

The Trojans (19-2) will join Faith Lutheran at the state tournament.

“Honestly, we’re going to enjoy this tonight and our goal is to win the state championship next weekend,” Crusaders coach Steve Morrill said. “We’ve been saying it since the first day, even since back when we started our first spring workouts. We’re almost there.

With Pahrump star Sydney Sladek battling a left ankle injury for the majority of the match, the Trojans offense found few openings and the Faith Lutheran defense was successful in clearing their attacks.

“We knew what their game plan was,” Morrill said. “Syndey Sladek is their stud player. Our goal was to take away the middle of the field, but make them exploit it on the wings.”