Jasmine Valdez had not played goalie since she was young.
But when the Pojoaque soccer team had a need, Valdez was there to step into the net and take on the role. And she finds a similar feeling to basketball when the ball comes her way.
“For basketball, I’m leading in blocks for my school,” she said. “Being goalie, when the ball is coming to you, I have that same reaction time, and I’m still hitting it out.”
Pojoaque Valley (1-4-1) lost 3-0 to Capital on Wednesday. But with a team of young players, many of whom are new to soccer, they are happy with their results so far this season. The team takes pride in not having been blown out or letting up more than four goals in a match despite playing strong teams.
“We’re progressing,” said first-year coach Clarence Herrera. “It’s been challenging, we have a lot of girls who aren’t experienced.”
Capital controlled the ball in the attacking half for much of the game, but Pojoaque’s defense also held strong. From the third minute of the game, the Jaguars were near the net, but Cienna Muller made a stop on a shot. In the 18th minute, Jasmine Valdez made a strong save off of a corner kick, then easily corralled a follow-up shot.
Late in the first half, Pojoaque had their best chance when sophomore Mia Herrera — who leads the team with five goals this season — broke away from defenders, but was stopped at the net.
In the following minute, Pojoaque got called for a handball in the box, leading to a penalty kick. But Valdez was there for an impressive save.
But shortly before halftime, Pojoaque committed another handball near the net. And this time, the penalty kick sailed into the goal, giving Capital the lead.
Capital added to their lead with goals in the 49th minute and 74th minute in the second half, the third an impressive shot that Pojoaque could not stop, despite Valdez’s best efforts in the net.
“There’s a lot of athleticism,” Clarence Herrera said. “But there’s inexperience, uncertainty, they’re trying to still develop. Their confidence needs to improve a bit.
The Elkettes have not won a district match since 2017, and none since joining their current classification. Not since 2011 have they beaten any of their current district opponents — though they came close with a draw against Moriarty last year.
“It’s the willingness to learn and the desire to be competitive,” Clarence Herrera. “So much of the results of these games is not attributable to their skill, it’s based entirely on the competitive spirit that most of them have.”
Pojoaque next plays Thursday on the road against Bernalillo (2-2-1). And they hope to have their bonds together carry them to wins.
“Our biggest strength is our relationship with each other,” Mia Herrera said. “We’re really good at communicating.”