West Liberty High School girls' soccer

Comet soccer girls win two straight

Team comes back after loss to rival Regina

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The West Liberty High School Girls’ soccer team claimed victory in two of four matchups this past week, capturing a 3-2 win over Cedar Valley Christian Friday and Monticello Saturday, recovering from their Wednesday loss to Iowa City Regina.

The Comets hosted the Regals Wednesday, the Comets stood their ground for the first seven minutes of the contest before the Regal attack overcame the defense and round their first goal of the match.

The Regals scored their second goal of the match two minutes later. The Comet defense then solidified, shutting down the Regal attack for the remaining 30 minutes of the half.

The Regals scored twice more in the second half, as Junior Grace Gaarde completed the hat trick for the visitors and exited 4-0 victors.

On Friday, the Comets headed to Alburnette to play Cedar Valley Christian. Defenses prevailed early in the contest as neither team scored until the 31st minute when Maggie Mahoney struck the back of the net for the Comets. The lone goal saw the Comets head into the locker room leading 1-0.

CVC fired back quickly after the halftime break, putting together a run that saw the hosts score eight minutes into the second half to equalize the contest at 1-1. The Comets reclaimed the lead just before the midway point of the second half, as senior Sailor Hall capitalized on a free kick.

The Comet defense dug in for the final 20 minutes. With seconds remaining in the contest, CVC drew a foul in the box to set up a game tying penalty kick. The Huskies capitalized on the opportunity and sent the contest into extra time.

The extra period didn't last long as it was the Comets turn to take advantage of a penalty kick. Kinzie Akers found the back of the net in the fourth minute, scoring the golden goal for the Comets to halt a losing streak and take a 3-2 victory.

On Saturday, the Comets of Coach Manuel Machado hosted Monticello and began a winning streak.

The West Liberty attack took advantage of their opponents early and often scoring five goals in the first half and holding the Panthers scoreless. Sailor Hall had two goals for the Comets in their victory. She was joined by teammates Jessica Madrigal, Nellie Stagg and Amerie Alvarado, who each added one goal in the win.

On Monday, the Comets hosted a make-up game with Clinton, ending their winning streak at two games with a 3-1 loss. Sailor Hall’s free kick from 30 yards away tied the game at one with 26 minutes remaining after Clinton held a 1-0 halftime lead.

The Comets host Mediapolis on Thursday, May 5, with a 5 p.m. kickoff, before ending their regular season with a trip to Mid-Prairie on the following Tuesday, May 10, beginning at 5 p.m. and a game Friday, May 13, at Anamosa beginning at 4:30 p.m.

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