Title matches set for boys, girls Diablos Soccer Classic

December 12, 2013 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Bri Hatch scored off a corner kick in the final three minutes Thursday night to give Highland's girls a 2-1 victory over Desert Vista in a semifinal match at the Bill Vanney-Tempe Diablos Soccer Classic at Tempe Sports Complex.

Hatch managed to convert the game-winner off a corner from Jackie Strom. Highland also scored in the final minute or two of the first half with Tori Rinsem doing the honors. That tied the match at intermission.

Desert Vista (3-3) scored earlier in the first half with midfielder Brooke Leftwich giving her team its only lead. The teams met last week in a power-point match that Highland prevailed in, 3-2. Highland scored late in the match in that one for the victory.

Highland (5-0) plays for the championship Friday (Dec. 13) at 6 p.m. at Tempe Sports Complex against Hamilton (6-0-1). Hamilton used a late goal in the first half by Kylie Miniefield to edge rival Chandler, 1-0. Chandler dropped to 2-4 on the season, losing both game in the tournament by scores of 1-0.

In the boys tournament, Chandler (6-0) and Hamilton (7-0) were both dominant in winning semifinal matches over Gilbert and Desert Vista, respectively. Hamilton and Chandler meet Friday (Dec. 13) at 6 p.m. also at Tempe Sports Complex. 

Chandler got a goal in each half from AB Hurtado and one in the first half from Pablo Hernandez in blanking previously unbeaten Gilbert, 3-0. Hamilton played its match pretty much at its end of the field in turning back Desert Vista, 2-0. Gilbert is now 6-1 and Desert Vista dropped to 2-4.

The Huskies scored on a missle by Gabe Para-Munoz in the 28th minute. The Huskies added one their second goal in teh 59th minute with Connor Follet tallying off a nice pass from Sam Mazzola. Desert Vista keeper Tim O'Brien kept the score from being a couple goal more with several outstanding saves.