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Winchester — Lina Watkins’ game has a lot of willpower and a lot to do. Also many wins.
Watkins’ tenacity helped both Turkits, including offing the game winner on his own foot in the 75th minute, as the Titans beat Liberty 2-1 in a crucial Mountain Pass League women’s soccer match. The win gave Tahquitz (7-3-1, 4-0-1 in league play) a little more room up the standings.
“Lina can run all day and never stop,” said Tarkits assistant coach Diego Cordero. “She’s always there and she’s always ready to go.”
The ball seemed to be at Watkins’ feet most nights regardless of the amount of traffic she was battling.
Watkins had her biggest moment when the match ended in a draw and took the lead in the Mountain Pass standings. Gaining the ball on her left flank, she pivoted and attacked quickly, going over the top of keeper Abby Torres.
“I was thinking of going to the top corner,” said Watkins. “I like going there.”
After a scoreless first half, Watkins helped the Titans stun Liberty within three minutes of the break (6-5-3, 3-2). Watkins, who had possession on the right side of goal, sent in a dangerous cross, which was deflected past Torres by Vivica Ambrys.
After a frustrating first half for the Titans, it was a sudden payoff. In the first 40 minutes, Turkits created several dangerous chances with long balls. However, four offside calls in the first 20 minutes missed opportunities.
“We’ll pay attention to the details, we’ll check, we’ll make sure they come back,” Cordero said. is”
Liberty responded to Ambrys’ goal with an effective pushback, but it took some time to pay off. The Bisons equalized in the 65th minute with a shot off Turquits keeper Avery Ross. Maria Russell pounced on the loose ball and darted to the far side.
With no seniors and playing short-handed due to injury, Liberty have reason to be optimistic heading into the second half of league play.
“We’re still learning to play together,” said Bison coach Emma Bennett. “We’ve been rotating players and putting players in different positions. We’re making it worth it with what we have.”
The game got physical in the second half, but Cordero didn’t mind.
“The toughest games are when we play the hardest,” he said. “If you want to be in CIF and win the league, you have to play every game like it’s your last.”
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