The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ soccer team opened its 2025 season with back-to-back games that showcased both the challenges and the promise of a young roster. On Friday, August 15, the Trojans traveled to Mesquite to take on the Virgin Valley Bulldogs, finishing with a 1-1 tie. Four days later, on Tuesday, August 19, they hosted Moapa Valley at home, where they fell 2-0 in a hard-fought battle.
Head Coach Amy Carlson reflected on the opening game as a valuable learning experience for her players. With a large number of new faces on varsity, the nerves were evident early on. “It was one of those good and bad ties,” Carlson explained. “It was the first game, and we definitely got the jitters out. We had a lot of nervous girls who are still learning the fast pace of high school sports. We had plenty of opportunities and should have capitalized more in the box.”
The Trojans’ lone goal came after a strong offensive push. A powerful shot from Natalia Vallin struck the bottom of the upper crossbar, followed by a header attempt from Aubrey Williams that deflected off the post. Sydney Crotty was quick to react, tapping the ball in to secure the equalizer. Carlson praised her team’s effort but noted that missed opportunities kept the Trojans from walking away with a win.
Moving into the second match against Moapa Valley, Pahrump Valley faced a tough, physical opponent. The Trojans rotated goalkeepers during game play as they continue to develop depth at the position following last year’s graduation. Senior Julie Briggs stepped in to start, with Jazmyn Herrera—captain of the junior varsity squad—also seeing time in goal. Carlson acknowledged the position as a work in progress but highlighted the effort the players are putting in. “We want to make sure we’re not only playing the best option for each game but also building for the future,” she said.
Despite the 2-0 loss, Carlson found positives in her team’s resilience. “The last five minutes were the best five minutes of the game,” she said. “If they had played with that intensity for even 20 minutes, the scoreboard would have looked different.” She noted that the girls put pressure on themselves with big goals, including a desire to reach state, which may have added to early season nerves. Still, she emphasized that accountability is shared and the focus remains on moving forward. “Tomorrow’s practice is about Boulder. We can’t change this one, but we can learn from it.”
Carlson also praised Moapa Valley for their clean, aggressive play, which provided her team a valuable test in physicality. “It was probably the cleanest game I’ve ever seen Moapa play,” she said. “Our younger girls didn’t quite know what to expect, and I think that hesitation showed. But now they know what that level of intensity looks like.”
Looking ahead, Carlson is working to solidify positions while also giving her utility players opportunities to contribute where needed. With defense largely set, the midfield and attack continue to rotate as new players gain confidence. The Trojans now turn their attention to Boulder City, where they will face the Eagles in Boulder City on Thursday, August 21.
While the first two games didn’t result in a win, Carlson remains confident in her team’s growth. With hard work, trust in one another, and a commitment to consistent effort, the Trojans are building the foundation for a competitive season.
