Virgin Valley girls face daunting obstacle in Southern League soccer semifinals

One obstacle is all that stands between Virgin Valley’s girls soccer team and a trip to the state tournament.

One rather large, very imposing, difficult-to-overcome obstacle, but one against which the Bulldogs are more than willing to take their chances.

Virgin Valley (7-10-5) will meet top-seeded Faith Lutheran (14-0) in the Class 3A Southern League semifinals at 4 p.m. Friday at Mesquite Sports Complex. The winner advances to the tournament championship match and is guaranteed a berth in the state tournament.

The Bulldogs were 2-1 winners over White Pine in a play-in match Tuesday to earn the right to play the Crusaders.

Playing them won’t be a problem. Beating them is another story.

Faith Lutheran has allowed one goal — all season. In its 14 matches Faith has an 85-1 scoring edge over its opposition.

“We’re going to have to play some really tough defense and keep them shooting from outside of the 18 (yard box),” Virgin Valley goalkeeper Jacque Olive said. “We know they are good. We’re hoping we can get them into overtime or maybe into (penalty kicks).”

The Crusaders have won every game by at least three goals, including 6-0, 6-0 and 4-0 wins against the Bulldogs this season.

The lone goal Faith Lutheran allowed came against Pahrump Valley on Sept. 25 in a 3-1 win. Since that match, the Crusaders are on a 50-0 run.

“We need to keep them out of the net,” Bulldogs coach Terry Ogden said. “We have the best goalie in the league. If we can keep the shots from outside, we have a chance. You’re only invincible until you’re beaten.”

In the other semifinal, Boulder City (9-3-2) faces Pahrump Valley (6-8-2) at 6 p.m. The two semifinal winners return at 11 a.m. Saturday to vie for the title.