DIVISION I-A: Crusaders control tempo, move into final

Kristi Chinn scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the first half, and Faith Lutheran never let up as the Crusaders defeated Tech 2-0 on Thursday in a Division I-A Southern Region girls soccer semifinal at Heritage Park.

The Crusaders (15-6-2) controlled the ball with ease throughout most of the match and weaved through the Tech defense often to create scoring opportunities.

“Our game is to control the ball as much as possible and be aggressive,” Faith Lutheran coach Steve Morrill said.

Faith Lutheran will play Pahrump Valley in the final at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The Roadrunners (12-3-1) played a very physical, aggressive style of defense, knocking down several Crusaders in hopes of regaining possession, but Morrill said his team has experience responding to aggressive defenses.

“We watched them Tuesday night, and we knew they’d be physical,” Morrill said. “We’ve played a few really physical teams this year, and I think playing against so many physical teams really prepared us for this.

“My girls have a good head about them. They know what they’re capable of and they know what we’re trying to do.”

Kendall Pori added an insurance goal in the second half for Faith Lutheran, which had plenty of offensive chances, even from outside the box.

“My two center mids both scored about four or five goals from 10 to 15 feet away (this season) so I’m okay if they shoot it from out there, especially if they have an open shot,” Morrill said. “I would like to work it into the box more but honestly whatever we can get, I’m fine with.”

Though the weather was warm at the beginning of the match, wind gusts picked up and the temperature dropped, which Morrill said was something both teams were prepared for.

“We’ve had some windy games, so far this year so we’re used to it and they are too,” Morrill said. “Our game is speed, so it helps to move the ball well and have speed going up and down the field.”

Pahrump Valley 4, Clark 0 — Lexi Smith and Kristen Young each had a first-half goal as the Trojans overcame windy conditions to eliminate the Chargers (9-10).

“In the first half we had the wind so it was taking our balls a little further so we struggled with that,” Trojans coach Pamela Larmouth said.

Sydney Sladek added a pair of second-half goals as Pahrump (19-1) pulled away.

“It’s what we’ve been struggling with this whole season, for them not to get complacent,” Larmouth said.

Once Pahrump was comfortably ahead in the second half, Larmouth decided to pull goalie Kiaya Nuack to help the Trojans’ offense on a corner kick.

“I did it so she could be involved in the game,” Larmouth said. “It’s hard for her sometimes because she’s just hanging out back there and she needs to move because it’s chilly. It also hopefully pulls their defenders out.”