Arbor View ekes out first state title

Since Arbor View opened its doors in 2005, it hasn’t been able to hang a state title banner in its gym.

Until now.

The Aggies used a 61st-minute goal from sophomore Kallyn Redona to edge Coronado 1-0 in the Class 4A Southern Nevada girls state soccer championship match Thursday at Bettye Wilson Park.

“I love Arbor View; I love working there. It was something that we needed, whoever it was,” Arbor View coach Jay Howard said of winning a championship. “We support every program, but we felt like we were getting close. Our administration has been so supportive.”

Dakota Olson lined up the corner kick from the left flag and blasted a bender in front of Coronado goalkeeper Kaitlyn Fahrner, where Redona headed the ball into the corner of the net.

“I couldn’t believe it ... Me and McKenzie Karas go in at corner kicks,” Redona said. “You just watch the ball, and wherever it goes, your head goes.”

The Aggies used a simplified version of a common tactic to push forward both center defenders to net the goal.

“We practice (that play); they have specific places to run, and we are supposed to aim for their heads, and that’s what I did,” said

Olson, who tallied her team-leading 18th assist. “I spot them every time, so it makes it easier for them to get it. And they’re huge, so they get there.”

Both teams played to a scoreless first half, an expected result as the two squads also played 80 scoreless minutes in their first match of the season.

“My compliments to Coronado; I knew we were a lot better (than last time), but they were outstanding today,” Howard said. “It was a very good game. Both teams had some dangerous opportunities. As good as both goalkeepers are, one goal was probably going to do it today.”

The Aggies outshot the Cougars 17-10, including 10-6 in the first half. Arbor View also had three shots on goal before the break, but Fahrner came up with three big saves to keep the net clear.

“The first one is always the hardest,” said Olson, who has signed with Charlotte. “After that, we definitely settle down and play our game better.”

Arbor View forced six shots on goal all match to Coronado’s two.

Alex Luevano-Harden made two second-half saves to preserve the shutout for Arbor View (18-1-1).

“This team’s the best; we’re like a family,” Olson said. “This is my favorite team out of all four years.”

Coronado (15-3-3) had a chance to take the halftime lead with a free kick just outside the penalty box, but Leticia Lopez’s shot bounced off the line of Arbor View defenders and sailed high.

Forward Breanna Robinson, whose late-game heroics netted the Cougars’ second straight Sunrise Region title, blasted a shot on goal in the 69th minute, but Luevano-Harden quickly grabbed it.

Fahrner finished with five saves.