ENID, Okla. — Friday, March 29, 2024 The Enid Pacers got off to a strong start at the Enid Soccer Invitational.
Bailey Ross scored the only goal of the game as Enid defeated Clinton, 1-0, at Enid's Advanced Soccer Complex.
Pacer head coach Tim Lavoie said, “I'm really happy to win. I'm really happy with the way we played. The players worked hard, so I can't complain.” .
The wind was a big factor in the Pacers' morning contest as both teams struggled to find their identity. Enid wanted to follow Clinton in the first half, but Lavoie said there was sometimes too much pressure.
“In the first half, we tried to attack them,” Lavoie said. “We tried to get into an attacking formation with the wind at our back, but we were a little too direct and I think that stagnated the game.”
The Pacers came back in the second half, especially thanks to Ross. She found an opening in the 43rd minute and slotted the ball into the back of the goal, sealing her victory over the Lady Reds.
“In the second half, we were back to our normal play,” Lavoie said. “We found some familiarity and comfort. I think that helped us find that goal.”
Enid 3, Bethany 0 (G)
Enid scored two goals in the second half, including Tabitha Miller's goal in the 46th minute, helping the Pacers to a 3-0 victory over Bethany in Game 2 of the Enid Invitational.
The Pacers improve to 5-2 on the season and will play Santa Fe South in the championship game on Saturday at 6:20 p.m.
Enid 2, Bethany 1 (B)
Jesus Enriquez scored the winning goal midway through the second half, giving the Plainsmen a 2-1 victory over Bethany.
Enid improves to 4-2 and will play Grant of the United States in the semifinals of the Enid Soccer Invitational at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Advanced Soccer Complex.
“We did what we had to do to get the result we wanted,” Plainsmen head coach Jorge Cabada said. “A lot of our key players are injured, so all we were thinking about was getting through the match. It wasn't the prettiest match, but at the end of the day, if we can get that result, we just have to live with it. I have to go.”
Both teams had uneven momentum throughout the match, but Enid's attacking power was too strong for Bethany.
“Soccer is a game of momentum and it's about how you react when the momentum is against you,” Cavada said. “After the penalty we gave the opponent, we calmed down and moved the ball well.”
Oswaldo Herrera scored a goal into the back of the net for Enid to come on first, putting the Plainsmen up 1-0 in the 23rd minute.
Bethany tied the score with a penalty kick in the 42nd minute, and Enriquez cut inside and fired a shot past the goalie in the 55th minute, making it 2-1 and sealing the Plainsmen's victory.
