By Moses Leos III
Lehman Lady Lobos forward Messly Navarro isn’t a stranger to scoring goals. Ten times before has Navarro found the back of the net.
But it was goal number 11 that cast Navarro as the heroine Tuesday at Lobo Field.
Her chip shot goal in the 77th minute was the difference in a thrilling 1-0 win over the Anderson Lady Trojans.
“I just wanted to win this game for the team, for my coach and for my family,” Navarro said.
Navarro’s goal was a result of Lehman adjusting to Anderson’s offside trap. It nullified a pair of second half goals from the Lobos.
But the third time proved the charm.
Lehman to orchestrated a run with less than four minutes left. Lehman’s Lexi Sanchez lofted a pass to Navarro in the 18-yard box.
Navarro’s instincts took over as she delivered a left-footed chip shot.
“I just went and I waited for the ball,” Navarro said. “The (goalkeeper) came out to me and I (chipped) it over her head.”
Lehman’s defense provided the base for success according to head coach Nauri Garica.
The challenge was limiting Anderson breakaways in the middle of the field. Closing space and limiting chances in midfield proved successful.
“Our defense held them back,” Garica said. “That was a good, strong Anderson team, and we’re evenly matched with them.”
Tuesday’s win keeps the Lobos in contention in 14-6A as the first round of district closes. Teamwork has been the crux of Lehman’s success.
“We have a very good bench and every single player can be a starter for us,” Garcia said.
