NEWMAN — Local SAL league rivalries Gustine and Orestimba high girls’ soccer teams clashed on Friday. It was a game that was intensely battled till the end, when the Warriors came out on top, 4-1.

“Rivalry games are always tough,” commented Orestimba head coach Alex Avila. “In these games, records don’t matter, they have a good team this year, they’re third, we’re still in first.”

Both teams were at a stale-mate till late in the first half. Warriors would strike first, leaving 1-0 entering the half. Both teams were playing intensely to come out with a local victory.

“We had to keep fighting and trying to score because they were on us like crazy. And we just had to get around them,” commented Maya Barajas (9).

Then momentum would shift as the Reds’ defense would begin to fatigue. Stretching the score to 4-1 by the end of the second half. Madelynn Perez (2) would seal the Reds’ fate, by scoring the final goal. 

“I’m just going to keep working hard. I’m going to keep playing with my team. Me and Maya work together up top. And then we look out for all of our players,” said Perez (2).

Gustine head coach, Jose Gallardo agreed that the game could have gone either way. Both teams were playing their best and wanted to win their local rivalry game.

“I think on both sides of the ball, pretty much they all went up and down, they played outstanding. They just outplayed us more,” Gallardo commented. 

The Warriors girls’ soccer team has won 9 games in a row, placing them first and 7-0 in the SAL league. Their next match is against SAL league opponent Mariposa Country at home, at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Then the Reds will get their rematch opportunity at 5 p.m. on Thursday at Gustine High.