The Apache attack needed help early on, and found it by subbing in last year’s second-leading scorer.
Behind two goals and an assist from senior forward Eden Hardy (23), the Arcadia Apaches (1-0-0) beat the Pasadena High Bulldogs (1-2-1), 4-0, Tuesday afternoon in Pasadena. Hardy began the game on the bench, but helped Arcadia dominate possession as soon as she entered.
“In the center in the beginning, we weren’t doing very well,” Hardy said, “but in the end we started to pick it up.” Hardy scored her first goal off the right post in the 52nd minute, and scored her second from fifteen yards out off a pass from senior Sarah Gutierrez (2) twelve minutes later.
Arcadia senior Alexis Sorrell helped maintain possession by initiating quick passes in the midfield and pressuring the Bulldog defense. “[We wanted to] play faster, not as physical, and distribute the ball,” she said. “The longer you have to hold the ball, the dirtier you have to play.”
The Bulldog attack found space midway through the match, putting three shots on goal towards the end of the first half and another three in the beginning of the second. “We settled down a bit more,” said PHS coach Mercado. “As we understood what the structure of the defensive half was going to be, I thought that benefited us a bit.”
Hardy not only scored twice, but also passed effectively in the penalty area. Her left side cross in the 26th minute found junior Serena Rosas (21) diving at the far post, giving Rosas her first goal of the season and the Apaches a comfortable 2-0 lead. “It’s hard to find a bad thing to say about her,” said Arcadia coach Ryen Piszyk, “she’s definitely a game-changing player.”
Despite the win, Piszyk saw room for improvement. “It was our first game of the season, so obviously there’s a lot of question marks in terms of position.” Eden agreed, saying: “We’re not used to each other’s styles yet…but that’s going to come with time and working together.”
Arcadia continues league play at Muir Friday at 3:30, while Pasadena hosts Burbank at the same time.
