SANTA ROSA — Middletown”s first test of the 2012 season turned into the Mustangs” third win, a hard-fought 3-1 decision over Roseland Prep in non-league varsity girls” soccer action Friday in Santa Rosa.
After opening the season with home-and-away victories against the Calistoga Wildcats, the Mustangs (3-0) found themselves in a battle against Roseland Prep, a participant in last season”s North Coast Section Division III playoffs along with Middletown.
Rosie Emerson, a freshman, scored with an assist from freshman teammate Taylor Montelli to give Middletown the only goal scored by either side in the first half. The Mustangs pushed their advantage to 2-0 in the second half on a penalty kick by Hannah Diaz, who had her first shot blocked by the Rincon Valley keeper, however, Diaz was awarded a second shot because the keeper came off the line early.
“The keeper for Roseland Prep is really awesome,” Middletown assistant coach James Welton said.
Roseland Prep closed to 2-1 before Diaz put the game away with an unassisted goal in the 74th minute.
Playing in goal for the first time in her high school career, Cheyanne Emerson came through for the Mustangs, according to Welton.
“She stepped up and had a great game,” Welton said.
Other standouts on defense, according to Welton, were Maria Castaldo, Karina Vargas, Maddie Kucer, Ashlyn Welton and Ashley Hart.
Rincon Valley Christian travels to Middletown on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. The Mustangs remain home Friday to take on perennial playoff team Sonoma Academy at 4:30 p.m.
