GSoc: Defense shines in Dons’ opening match

Erin Graf led a solid defensive performance, and Kylie Schmidt scored the game’s only goal, lifting Santa Barbara High’s girls soccer team to a season-opening 1-0 victory at Moorpark on Friday night.

Schmidt jumped on a loose ball at the top of the 18-yard box and fired a shot past the goalkeeper for the only goal of the night in the 20th minute.

Santa Barbara’s defense made the goal stand up for the remaining 60 minutes

“The goal ended up being all we needed as our back line and keepers played a very tight defensive game,” said first-year coach Jill Wolf.

Wolf cited the play of Graf. She held the defense together as Moorpark pressured the Dons back line early in the match. “She was up to the challenge,” said Wolf.