Walnut Girls Soccer Lone Survivor to Advance to the Quarterfinals

Walnut's girls' soccer team emerged as the lone survivor of all the locals after two rounds of playoffs to advanced to the quarterfinals.

The Mustangs punched their ticket to the quarters by way of its 1-1 (4-2 PK) victory over Filmore Saturday afternoon.

Freshman Ellie Lopez scored both the Mustangs goals, including the match-clinching penalty kick.

Walnut first year coach Manny Basulto said he enjoyed watching Lopez grow, saying that she passed the eye test.

“She has ice in her veins,” he added.

Walnut (14-9-5) struck when Lopez scored in the 14th minute of the match. Filmore responded shortly after on Marlene Gonzalez’s goal to tie the match 1-1.

Both teams had a number of chances to score to take the lead, but the game continued through regulation and the two overtime periods, still no result, setting up the penalty kick round.

Walnut’s route was not an easy one, having to win a wildcard game to make it into the main bracket, then they defeated the second seeded Fairmont Prep 2-1.

“It was a roller-coaster game, just like our season was going,” Basulto said. “These girls showed so much resilience from the beginning. These girls fought through it and the journey isn’t over.”

Walnut hosts the winner of the LaCanada/University Prep matchup on Wednesday. Kickoff is at 5pm.

OTHER SCORES:

Friday’s Results

Boys Soccer – Division 5 Nogales 1, Esperanza 2

Boys basketball – Division 5A Nogales 63, Riverside Notre Dame 75

Saturday’s Results

Girls’ soccer – Division 7 Nogales 4, Oakwood 6

Girls’ basketball – Division 2 Diamon Bar 39, Shadow Hills 44