The Virgin Valley High School Lady ‘Dawgs faced a big and strong Chaparral High School team Thursday afternoon at the Mesquite Sports Event Center and came away with a respectable performance losing 1-0. The Cowgirls came out strong dominating the ball as they took the attack to the Bulldogs. An excellent block by Bulldog goalkeeper Spencer Green prevented a Cowboy score. The Bulldogs had the first corner kick of the game 10 minutes into the half but came up short. The tall Cowgirl mid-fielders prevented the ‘Dawgs from mounting a sustained attack. Midway through the first period the Cowgirls managed to hit goal for the first and only score of the match.
The second half was a defensive struggle despite an up tempo attack by the Lady ‘Dawgs. The Bulldogs offense pressured the Cowgirls immediately but Emily Lara’s shot was blocked by the Cowgirl goalie. Green’s defensive play prevented the Chaparral team from increasing their lead with two consecutive saves. Bulldog striker Karson Bryant had two corner kicks at the 32 minute mark but both fell short. Bulldog Briana Tilton broke twice on goal but her shots were wide of the mark. Two off sides prevented the Bulldogs to score despite having player advantages. The momentum of the game in the second half was all Bulldogs as they forced the Cowgirls into a defensive mode. The Bulldogs had numerous attempts in the last five minutes of the match to even the score but all shots were wide or were blocked by the Cowgirl goal keeper. Tilton led the pressure for the Bulldogs as she continued to attack the Chaparral defense. The whistle blew ending the match as Tilton broke free setting up a one on one with the Cowgirl goalkeeper. The Bulldogs next two matches will be away before returning on September 27 to host Southern Nevada Vocational Technical Center.