WILLITS — What a difference 19 days makes.
When the Middletown and Willits girls soccer teams squared off in the North Central League I opener for both teams Sept. 22 in Middletown, the host Mustangs won a wild 10-6 shoot-out in Ashlyn Welton’s debut as head coach. Jenna Tufo’s eight goals led Middletown to victory that day.
Those same two teams met again Tuesday in Willits to start the second half of their league schedules and this time Middletown prevailed 1-0. Tufo’s goal midway through the second half, set up by an Autumn Clark free kick, was enough for the victory.
“It was a pretty damn good kick and spot on,” Welton said of Clark’s feed to Tufo, who blasted it past the keeper for what proved to be the game-winning shot.
Middletown’s defense, a work in progress ever since Welton took control of the team late last month, certainly did its part against the Wolverines as the Mustangs improved to 4-1 in league play. Keeper Krystal Ocken, Middletown’s final line of defense, registered 15 saves.
“Fifteen amazing saves,” Welton said. “They (Wolverines) definitely pressured us, but she (Ocken) did not let a damn thing by her. She played an amazing game.”
Strong defensive outings from center back Sophie Yerba and from Kamilah Chairez and Serenity Thomson also helped the Mustangs log the shutout victory.
“Our main defense did a really, really good job,” Welton said.
Middletown is still not at full strength but could be soon as previously injured players rejoin the lineup. The Mustangs are on the road Thursday against Lower Lake.
