SUNRISE REGION: Montoya sends Tech into first-ever semifinal
Tech’s girls soccer team spent the better part of 40 minutes looking like a team playing in only the second playoff game in program history.
It took Rachael Montoya just two minutes after halftime to make the Roadrunners look like they belonged.
Montoya scored in the 42nd minute and goalkeeper Susan Melian made it stand up as Tech edged Las Vegas High 1-0 for the Roadrunners’ first-ever win at the Sunrise Region tournament Tuesday at Bettye Wilson Park.
“I just got my nerves and had to play my game,” Montoya said. “I let everything go how it was planned.
“Once you get that momentum, you want to be the first team to advance to the second round.”
The decisive play started with Liz Arres passing to Montoya near midfield. The junior striker took the ball and scurried down the center, breaking several tackles before sending the ball into the roof of the net and the Roadrunners (11-5-3) into the semifinals.
The Wildcats (11-4-4) dominated possession, outshooting Tech 11-6.
Melian, a sophomore who took over in goal midway through the season, made six saves to earn the shutout, including one on a free kick in the 35th minute and a diving save among several Las Vegas chances two minutes before the final whistle.
“Defensively, I guess it’s just a new mindset,” said Tech coach Josh Jones, whose team has won seven of its last eight. “But we’ve done excellently since we’ve put (Melian) in goal. We had some girls that were hurting, and we’re finally coming together as a team to what we knew we were capable of.”
Coronado 1, Eldorado 0 — Breanna Robinson scored eight minutes before the final whistle to help the Cougars (11-4-4) edge the Sundevils (9-5-4).
Kaitlyn Fahrner was in goal to claim the shutout for Coronado.
Green Valley 5, Desert Pines 0 — Kayla Varner had a goal and two assists to help the Gators (14-6-1) cruise past the Jaguars (8-8-1).
Cassidy McLean, Emily Gary, Paulena Buskas and Alex Adams also scored for Green Valley, which led 2-0 at halftime.
Hailey Beekman picked up the one-save shutout.
Rancho 3, Liberty 0 — Antoinette Scott-Coles scored the opening goal 12 minutes into the match, leading the Rams (11-4-5) past the Patriots (9-4-4).
Megan Aoyama and Hannah Hanselman also scored for Rancho, which was outshot 9-6 by Liberty.
Rachael Wiltshire earned the shutout with four saves.