SUNSET REGION: Luevano-Harden’s 13th shutout clinches Sunset title for Aggies
Arbor View goalkeeper Alex Luevano-Harden had notched 12 shutouts before Tuesday’s Sunset Region final match.
Make it a baker’s dozen — with the 13th being the sweetest for the senior.
The Aggies (17-1-1) scored two goals in the first 10 minutes to blank Northwest League-rival Palo Verde, 2-0, and capture the Sunset title at Bettye Wilson Park.
“It feels amazing, absolutely amazing,” Luevano-Harden said of giving the team a chance for its first Southern Nevada girls soccer championship. “We’ve been waiting for this day forever, with the past, and everything. It still hasn’t sunk in. We played our hearts out, and I’m so excited to play with this group of girls. I’m really proud of all of them.”
McKenzie Karas put Arbor View on the board only two minutes into the match, redirecting a rebound past Panthers goalkeeper Stacie Gubler from inside the box.
Bianca Norman added a goal in the 10th minute, picking up a pass from Tori Rodriguez on the right sideline, cruising into the center of the field, and blasting a right-footed shot into the back of the net.
“We’ve been starting early all tournament, and that really makes a big difference, in the flow of the game and the morale,” Arbor View coach Jay Howard said. “Palo Verde came back; I felt like it was a really good game, back and forth.”
Arbor View narrowly outshot the Panthers 11-8 in a first half that saw both teams with multiple chances. Six of the Aggies’ 11 shots were on goal.
Palo Verde (16-2-2) came out of the break by forcing three quick shots, but the Aggie defense held up.
Luevano-Harden made six saves to earn the shutout, which was a bit easier to maintain with the team’s quick start.
“It’s a lot easier; you still have to stay on your toes because Palo’s a good team, and they have great attackers and can shoot the ball from far out,” she said. “But it does help you relax. That’s when I play my best, when I’m relaxed and confident. And that’s what you’ve got to do in these big games.”
