Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here
Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.
For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.
Need to set up your free e-Newspaper all-access account? click here.
Non-subscribers
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Register to comment
Click here create a free account for posting comments.
Note that free accounts do not include access to premium content on this site.
I am anchor
Shamrocks speed by Northwest Christian in soccer semis
Posted
By Charlene Bisson
Special to West Valley Preps
Northwest Christian and Yuma Catholic have steadily built a "holy" rivalry over the last decade.
Whenever they meet implications tend to be significant. Thursday the two powers renewed their rivalry — this time on the soccer field — and the stakes no different.
It was the Shamrocks scripting this chapter, rolling to a 3-0 victory in the 3A semifinal at Williams Field High School in Gilbert and earning a state title appearance.
The Crusaders failed to generate on three first half opportunities and twice as many in the second-half.
"Frustrating because we had a huge senior class that will leave on this sour-note. It's difficult with only two who play club soccer," Coach Jason Witt said.
The 'Rocks had plenty of penetrating chances on a usually solid back-line throughout. Their first goal in the 23rd minute was placed in by Stockton Rush.
In a ten-minute span the No. 9 put it in the deep-freeze with goals by a pair of Gutierrez's. The first was on a steal and fifty-yard blow-by run for Ernie. The second by his brother Eluterio he deflected it off a shot from Jonah Franco.
Trailing at the break just 1-0 proved to be difficult tonight. The Crusaders couldn't get much from the Offense other than five hits on target. The deficit expanded on two late counters.
No. 5 seed Northwest Christian (13-4-2) ended their season with their first loss since Jan. 11 to Paradise Honors. That defeat gave them a region runner-up finish.
On a positive note, the JV squad allowed one goal all year and will have huge turnover as they transition to varsity play. That bodes well for the future.
"Absolutely looking forward we are going to be fine. Solid JV year as I mentioned and a good group of junior-high kids. It'll be hard to replace multi-sport athletes like Caleb (Egherman) and Jacob (Lytle), among the other seniors. I like where we are at," added Witt.