FERNDALE >> Kaleigh Alves scored three times, twice on assists from Rosie Emerson, as the Middletown Mustangs turned back the Ferndale Wildcats 3-1 in non-league girls” soccer action on Saturday at Ferndale.
Alves scored the only goal of the first half, heading in a corner kick from Emerson.
Ferndale pulled even at 1 with a goal early in the second half, but Alves broke the tie and put the Mustangs (3-0) ahead to stay a few minutes later, again following a corner kick by Emerson. It remained 2-1 until the 88th minute when Alves scored an unassisted goal.
Although the Mustangs had reserves on their bench, Middletown”s starting 11 never left the field, according to coach Amy Emerson.
“Ferndale is a team of big, strong girls and they played very physically and at a very fast pace,” Emerson said. “Our defense did a great job at shutting them down every time they crossed the half.”
Among the standouts on defense was Middletown”s lone senior, sweeper Danni Rossi, according to Emerson.
“Danni was able to work the ball up the field several times in order to pass off to our waiting offensive line,” Emerson said.
Other standouts on defense were Ashlyn Welton, Jessica Contreras and Gracie Amrstrong.
Middletown has a pair of home games this week. The Mustangs host Ukiah today and Roseland Prep on Friday.
