It’s not a losing streak but it nearly feels that way.
The Lady Wave soccer team recorded its third consecutive tie after a 2-2 decision at Sparks on Tuesday and 3-3 verdict against North Tahoe at home on Friday. Fallon hosts Spring Creek (Friday, 5 p.m.) and Elko (10 a.m. Saturday) this weekend.
“Our last three games have been a little frustrating with three ties,” Fallon coach Lance Lattin said. “(Tuesday against Sparks) we had moments of really good play and had lots of good opportunities to score goals.”
But those scoring opportunities were squandered because of being called offsides and missing goals wide or ending up in the goalkeeper’s hands. Fallon, however, got on the board twice with sophomores Alexis Jarrett and Kenna Hamlin. Minny Fagundes and Hamlin each recorded assists.
Unfortunate luck struck Fallon when Sparks scored as the Railroaders were awarded a penalty kick that sailed just off the fingertips of Fallon goalie Adelle Brown while Sparks took advantage of Fallon’s confusion on defense.
“The other Sparks goal came amid some confusion with a new offsides rule and resulted in a Sparks player breaking away to goal without sufficient pressure,” Lattin added.
Despite the three ties and searching for its first win, Lattin is pleased with the team’s progress. Fallon is young this year with only one returning defender, Sierra Hickox, and starter Leta Otuafi out with a knee injury.
In Friday’s tie with North Tahoe, Savannah Sweeney, Jarrett and Hamlin each scored a goal.
“We have a lot of younger players on the team and they are learning and progressing,” Lattin said. “I feel good about their progress but we still have a lot of work to do in our understanding of the game and team shape. Our attackers will also need to be more efficient when they are presented with opportunities in front of goal.”
Lattin also said the defense is starting to play more comfortable.
“Overall I’m pretty pleased with our team,” Lattin said. “They work hard, they are willing to learn and are very supportive of each other.”