ENID, OKLAHOMA — David Smith scored four goals to lead Enid to a 5-0 victory over U.S. Grant in the second half of a nondistrict girls vs. boys soccer doubleheader Friday at the Advance Soccer Complex.
The Plainsmen's victory completed the EHS sweep as the Pacers defeated the Lady Generals 8-0 with seven different players scoring goals.
Both teams had three wins and one loss, making it their third consecutive win. The Pacers recorded a three-game shutout streak.
Smith knew early on that this was going to be his night, scoring at the 36:12 and 26:44 mark of the first half. He scored twice within a minute of each other in the second half (16:43 and 15:36). James Cavada added another point on a free kick with 32:38 remaining.
Goaltender Jonathan Wallace made nine saves and recorded his second shutout of the season.
“We're starting to figure it out,” EHS coach Jorge Cabada said. “We have a four-headed monster at the top: Oswaldo Herrera, James Cabada, Edwin Loza, the smallest kid on the field who plays with ferocity, and obviously David Smith.
“There are signs that we're doing what we can, but we're not where we want to be yet, and that's okay. I've seen a lot of good things there, a lot of unselfish things. But there were times when I wish we were a little more selfish. We are showing glimpses of what we can become. U.S. Grant defeated the 5A state champions (Santa Fe South) in a penalty shootout last night. It’s a solid team we brought in. We’re starting to get confused.”
None of the nine shots that Wallace deflected were truly dangerous, Cabada said.
The Pacers scored three goals in the first eight minutes of the game and never looked back.
Tabitha Miller scored twice, and Bailey Ross, Marisol Delgadillo, Gisele Resendiz, Dayana Casillas and Valeria Gutierrez each scored one goal. American player Grant scored an additional goal.
Goaltender Carly Earhart had just one save as EHS dominated the minutes of possession.
“We played a solid game,” Pacers coach Tim Lavoie said. “At times we took unnecessary risks and weren't punished. We need to clean up that part of our game. There were things we could improve on.”
Lavoie said the Pacers need to improve the speed of their game.
“We can be more lethal in front of goal,” he said. “We should be more goal-hungry. It's hard to say when you've scored eight goals, but I think it will make us more ready for district play.” I can't say, but a win is the best opportunity to point out some shortcomings that can be improved.”
Enid is scheduled to play at Midwest City on Tuesday. Cabada said the game could be canceled because the Bombers are on spring break.
Cabada hopes to have senior defender Sebastian Gutierrez back for the next game.
