|
Central Union High's Jordanne Quiroz makes a kick to advance the ball during the second annual Noujaim Cup game against Calexico High in El Centro. (FERNANDO ACOSTA JR. PHOTO / February 13, 2013) |
The Central Union High girls’ soccer team closed out the Imperial Valley League season with a big win, beating Calexico High, 5-1, in the second annual girls’ Noujaim Cup, unofficially named the girls’ Copa Del Valle, on Tuesday in El Centro.
The Spartans retained the Noujaim Cup, named after the founder of the original boys’ Copa Del Valle, Nabil Noujaim, and had previously clinched the Imperial Valley League title. They finish the league season 11-0-1.
The Spartans dedicated the win to Noujaim who a few days ago lost his mother.
“We’re very proud to be again the defending IVL champions and to win the second annual Noujaim Cup,” Central head coach Ramon Lopez said. “This win is truly dedicated to my coach Nabil.”
The title makes it six for the 10-year Central head coach.
In Tuesday’s game, the Spartans started leading when Calexico scored an own goal just two minutes into the game. Baylee Vincent added a goal in the 10th minute of the game to give Central a 2-0 lead.
Calexico responded in the 16th minute with a goal by Bianca Lopez. Central extended its lead in the 30th minute with a goal by Karen Zavala to take a 3-1 halftime lead.
In the second half, Central’s Samantha Alvarado scored in the 13th minute to give the Spartans a 4-1 lead. Vincent added another goal in the 21st minute off a header to give Central a 5-1 lead.
“I thought our team played very well together,” Alvarado, 17, said. “We just clicked off the ball.”
The league title assures the Spartans a spot in the CIF-San Diego Section Division III playoffs and a home game if they are not pitted against another league champion with a higher seed. Their playoff fate will be known Saturday at a seeding meeting in San Diego.
The Bulldogs end their season 7-2-2 in IVL.
To comment on this story click here to be directed to Facebook.
