The Artesia girls’ soccer team opened its season on the road at the Silver City Tournament, leaving the weekend with a shutout win and a hard-fought draw.
Strong start: Artesia blanks Silver, 3–0
Artesia took care of business in its opener, defeating the Silver Fighting Colts 3–0.
Senior Chloe Aguilar powered in the first goal, and the Lady ’Dogs added scores from Sophia Banda and Kaylee Berdoza to close out the match. Sophomore goalkeeper Leila Irvin posted the shutout, stopping two shots.
Coach Tim Trentham said Artesia controlled most of the first half, but the match grew more physical and competitive after the break.
Overall, he said the opener showed encouraging signs from a roster that looks very different from last season.
“We had six new starters who had big shoes to fill,” Trentham said. “That includes nine new players — four of them eighth graders. We’re a good mix of junior and senior veterans and young talent.”
Battle-tested: Lady ’Dogs tie Miyamura, 2–2
In the second match, Artesia faced a seasoned Miyamura squad and finished with a 2–2 draw. Both teams scored once in each half, and neither could break the stalemate late.
Trentham said Miyamura returned most of its roster from last season and came out strong, dominating early possession. Artesia eventually settled in, finding rhythm and creating chances of its own.
Artesia’s first goal came off a designed corner. After Miyamura answered to tie it 1–1, senior Abigail Jowers found the back of the net midway through the half to give the Lady ’Dogs a 2–1 lead. Miyamura scored in the final minute to force the draw.
“We go into this week with some questions answered,” Trentham said. “We know how the pieces are going to fit together, but we also know we have tough competition ahead.”
Road-heavy start continues
Artesia travels to Hobbs at 6 p.m. Tuesday, then heads to Las Cruces for its first match at the Alien Invitational on Friday.
The Lady ’Dogs will play their first seven games on the road before returning home on Sept. 8 to face Santa Teresa.
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