The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ soccer team faced two tough opponents this week, traveling to The Meadows Mustangs on Monday, September 8, before returning home to host the Virgin Valley Bulldogs on Wednesday, September 10. While both contests ended in losses, the Trojans showed grit, improvement, and promising play across the field.
At The Meadows, the Trojans took the field with Jazmyn Herrera in goal, a strong defensive line anchored by Diona Nixon, Cindal Monahan, Haylee Barajas-Slis, and Raylee Smith, and offensive leaders including Sydney Crotty, Natalia Vallin, and Juliana Lopez up front. Early in the first half, the Trojans put pressure on the Mustangs, creating multiple shot opportunities. Vallin was active on the attack, pushing for calls and putting shots on goal, while Natalie Soto and Aubrey Williams helped move the ball through the midfield.
The Mustangs struck first on a corner kick, slipping the ball into the net despite the Trojans’ defensive efforts. Later, a penalty shot was initially saved by Herrera before a foul call erased a follow-up goal. The Trojans continued to fight, with shots from Vallin, Soto, and Crotty, but The Meadows extended their lead with goals in the second half to go up 3-0. The Trojans refused to back down, and their persistence paid off when Melissa pushed the ball forward and fired a shot off the keeper. Aubrey Williams followed up with two attempts, finally finding the back of the net to put Pahrump on the scoreboard. The Trojans nearly scored again in the closing minutes, but the match ended with a 3-1 Mustang victory.
Two days later, the Trojans hosted Virgin Valley for a spirited match at home. Julie Briggs opened as goalkeeper and delivered a stellar first half, blocking multiple shots before the Bulldogs finally broke through in the 12th minute. Briggs continued to impress, making big stops and keeping the Trojans within reach as the half closed at 1-0.
In the second half, Herrera took over in goal, adding several saves of her own. Pahrump’s offense worked hard to respond, earning corner kicks and pushing the ball forward through Soto, Vallin, and Williams. Natalia Vallin created several chances with her speed and ball control, while the Trojans’ defense hustled to break up plays and limit Virgin Valley’s chances. Despite their energy and improved team play, the Bulldogs added a second goal with just over ten minutes remaining, sealing a 2-0 final.
Head Coach Amy Carlson praised her players after the game, noting that the score didn’t reflect the Trojans’ performance. “It was the best they played all season,” Carlson said. “The score didn’t necessarily affect the play. Our biggest issue was we just didn’t take shots, but at the end of the day we told the girls this was a good loss. We actually played 100 percent the whole game.”
Carlson highlighted the outstanding performances of her two goalkeepers. “Between Julie and Jazmyn, they definitely saved us. The score would have been much different without some of their stops,” she said, also calling out the consistent efforts of Soto, Vallin, and Williams in the field. She was particularly proud of Briggs, who earned her first major varsity minutes. “She showed up early, practiced during the JV game, asked for extra help, and did what she said she was going to do. She definitely stepped up.”
The coach also pointed to her team’s speed as a major strength, with defenders like Nixon using quickness to beat opponents to the ball. “They didn’t give up this time. That’s key,” Carlson said. “This was the first time we’ve really played as a team. Hopefully this gives them momentum to build on.”
While the Trojans continue to search for more offensive finishes, Carlson sees clear growth. “Shooting is our biggest issue, because you can’t win a game if you don’t score goals. We had the ball up front; we just didn’t take near the shots for the skill we have. That’s the next step for us.”
Despite the final scores, the Trojans’ week showed progress in teamwork, energy, and individual play. With continued improvement in finishing opportunities, the team looks ready to turn close matches into wins as the season continues.
