The Roswell High School girls’ soccer team defeated Goddard 8-0 Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Cielo Grande Sports Complex.
Junior Jacqueline Nevarez opened the scoring in the first four minutes, powering a shot into the net to give Roswell an early advantage. Moments later, junior Tatum Sosa found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Sophomore Kyliegh Najar added another goal at the 29:29 mark of the first half, and junior Julissa Baca capped the opening 40 minutes with a goal at 19:24.
The Coyotes carried a 4-0 lead into halftime.
Playing until the final whistle
Roswell started the second half strong as well, with junior Emily Macias recording two assists in the opening minutes, setting up Baca and Nevarez for shots on the net.
Fifteen into the half, senior Aliyah Morales scored to extend the Coyotes’ lead to seven goals.
With the game well in hand, Roswell head coach Urbano Sosa gave his starters a rest and made several substitutions. Sophomore Elena Chavez took advantage of the opportunity, scoring to make it 8-0 and seal the victory for the Coyotes.
Roswell had 20 shots on goal, and senior goalkeeper Elana Macias made three saves. Goddard had three shots on goal, and junior goalkeeper Jaelynn Mars made 15 saves.
Coaches look ahead after opener
Sosa pointed to Elana Macias and Nevarez for being catalysts in Roswell’s performance but said the victory was a team effort. He said he is happy to begin the season with a win.
“It’s always big when you can beat your crosstown rival,” Sosa said. “I thought our passing was really good, and I thought we controlled the first half pretty well.”
Goddard head coach Fernando Sosa said the loss was a difficult way to start the season but believes his team will improve throughout the year.
“Roswell played very well,” Sosa said. “We’ll get to where we want to be and I expect Brianna Rivera to lead the way.”
What’s next?
Both teams will participate in the Alien City Invitational from Aug. 21-22 at the Sports Complex.
The Coyotes first play Deming at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Cielo East. Goddard plays at the same time against Silver at Cielo West.
Marshall Mecham can be reached at (915) 232-1793 or on X @mecham_marshall. Mecham serves with the New Mexico Local News Fellowship, which places emerging journalists in newsrooms across the state. Learn more at www.newmexicolocalnewsfellowships.org.
