Lady Panther Soccer Moves to Next Round of Sac-Joaquin Playoffs with Victory over El Camino

Prior to the opening whistle in Tuesday’s second round match of the Sac-Joaquin Division III girls soccer, Benicia coach Josh Bradley was feeling nervous for his team.  Their opponent, the El Camino High Eagles played in a tougher league and Benicia had three injured defensive specialists.

For the many fans who showed up for the match the injuries on defense weren’t apparent as the ball stayed on the El Camino end of the field most of the day. But, the Panthers shots couldn’t seem to find the back of the net.

“We’ve been off for two weeks so I knew we’d be a little rusty,” said Bradley.

The first half that saw the Lady Panthers get eight shot on goal compared to two for the Eagles but neither team was able to score.

Benicia struck in the fourth minute of the second half when striker Sarah Granato took a feed from Kim Gigliotti and put the ball in the back of the net.  Gigliotti’s feed came off a pass from Michaela Scafani.

“Michaela played huge today,” said Bradley.  “She played last year as a freshman.”

According to the Vallejo Times-Herald the defensive play of the Eagles goalie Rachel Reyes-Spindola was the key factor in shutting down Benicia in the first half.

Michelle Minahen also had a good day on defense making numerous steals at midfield to keep the ball out of the Benicia end.  “She’s another injured back,” said Bradley.  “Her ankle is taped up like a boxer’s hands.”

The Panthers play host on Thursday to the Antelope Titans who defeated Inderkum 3-0 to advance in the playoffs.

“The playoff atmosphere is always intense,” said Bradley.

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.