ENID, OKLAHOMA — Enid's soccer team will look to build on its easy win in Ponca City on Friday when the Pacers and Plainsmen travel to District 6A-3 rival Stillwater in a doubleheader starting at 6 p.m.
Both Enid teams are 1-2 in district and 6-4 overall. Both Stillwater teams are 0-2 in district play, so this matchup will be important as they look to make the playoffs.
“We have to go into every game thinking we have to win in order to get to the postseason,” Pacers manager Tim Lavoie said. “Stillwater is a competitive team that works hard, is physical and is well-coached. You know they're not going to go down without a fight.”
Stillwater lost to Norman North 4-0 (EHS lost 5-0) and Yukon 6-0 (EHS lost 9-0) in district play.
“It's very similar to last year's game (Enid won 2-1),” Lavoie said. “We have to play solid defense. A shutout is our goal. To do that, we have to be organized, be very dynamic and stick to our game plan.”
Enid will be reinforced by the return of Marisol Delgadillo from injured reserve. She has scored four goals this season. Eva Barnett scored four points and had six goals against Ponca City. Tabitha Miller has five and Bailey Ross has four.
“I'm excited to be in good shape against Stillwater,” Lavoie said.
The boys won't be able to perform at their best.
Oswaldo Herrera is battling a hip injury and will be called on during the game. Diego Chavez, who injured his ankle against Ponca City, will be tested at practice Monday. Aaron Casillas and Eder Rezendis are not expected to play.
“Other players stepped up,” Plainsmen coach Jorge Cabada said. “It's disappointing that they can't play, but we can field a team that believes in our system and believes they can win no matter who we have. We'll hold our breath and wait for them for the remaining two weeks. We can't. The boys are aggressive. We expect to win.”
Both teams are almost evenly matched. Both lost to Norman North 2-1 (EHS on penalties), Yukon 3-2, and Stillwater lost on penalties.
“The key is to be patient in attack,” Cavada said. “Breaking down the defensive line by moving the ball. Keep it simple. One of the things we're good at is passing the ball better than anyone else. Once we do that, we move the ball and stay patient. That should give us quite a few scoring chances.”
Cavada said flatland residents need to prepare for “everything Stillwater is going to throw at us.”
Stillwater won 1-0 in last year's game.
Cabada said Stillwater is a difficult place for Enid to play.
A win would raise the stakes for Friday, when district leader Broken Arrow (3-0, 10-1) comes to the Advance Soccer Complex.
“It would be a big win to get on tour,” Cavada said. “We know the importance of this game. If we can finish this week 2-0, we will be in a position to finish the season on a high and earn a playoff spot.”
David Smith leads the Plainsmen in scoring with seven goals, followed by Herrera with five and Jonathan Gomez with four.
