| Amberly Richardson Updated: Monday, May 26, 2008 12:04 pm
Sunday’s atmosphere was festive as the game came complete with a halftime show from the Australian band Porcelin, but United’s net was hostile territory. Perez came up with impressive saves in both halves on Sunday and demonstrated her vocal leadership. She arranged the plays on her side of the field to ensure optimal coverage. It helped that Perez’s back line was in top form. Defender Vanessa Valentine (Cal State Fullerton) stuck with every play and Granite Hills alum Taryn Francel (University of Wisconsin) showed no sign of tired legs after competing in Cal South National Cup bracket play earlier that day in Temecula. She contributed to several defensive plays that kept the ball out of scoring range. Francel had a striking header that deflected an AJAX free kick, with the play ending up as a corner opportunity for United at the other end of the field. She also showed her new teammates her long throw-in skills. All the United players had something to show on Sunday. Katie Miyake (USL-W) demonstrated her wheels up front, while Leticia Villalpando (MNT) helped her team to a corner at the end of the first half, which was nearly booted in. Midfielder Ashli Sandoval (Granite Hills HS/USC) looked strong. Neither team capitalized on a surplus of corners, although AJAX’s Sabrina Demonte came close in the 48th minute. Perez emerged from the sea of jerseys and snuffed out the attempt. AJAX responded with some strong defense of its own, as defender Carmen Bognanno helped limit United to just one goal. The teams will meet again on June 1 on AJAX's home turf. Next up, United collides with the San Diego SeaLions on May 31 at Valhalla at 6 p.m. |
