LJ g soccer 0, Valhalla 1

Sophomore Naylea Beltran (6) shows some

athleticism in handling the ball early in

the second half Thursday.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

It was a cold afternoon and early evening in El Cajon Thurs., Jan. 14. La Jolla dropped a 1-nil decision to the host Valhalla girls soccer team. But it was progress, because the Vikings (0-8), though not winning, didn't let the floodgates open for more goals.

Valhalla scored its lone goal with 21:35 left in regulation time in the second half.

La Jolla's defense held the Norsewomen scoreless in the first half. Coach Kristin Jones' squad came a little short-handed, as the Vikings sat only a handful of reserves on the bench for the game in East County, a lower number than usual.

Senior Trisha Turner played her heart out at midfield. Sophomores Grace Dessert and Maz Devitt attack the ball a lot, being active and visible.

With the defense and sophomore goalie Vanessa Shaffer holding tough, the offense, though working hard, has been somewhat limited in options. Emma McCall-Delgado continues to play up front.

Jones' contingent is fairly young, carrying only three active seniors and employing five active juniors, five sophomores, and two freshmen. Veteran defender Jessie Penner underwent surgery on a meniscus Dec. 11 and could play by the end of the season in February.

But it's no secret that forward Phoebe Riley's absence due to injury has hamstrung La Jolla.

"Yes, it has an effect," admitted "Jonesy" last Thursday, Jan. 7, after another 1-nil loss, this one at Point Loma. "For good or bad, we've relied on her offense the last few years."

The effect is visible in the paucity of real threats against the opponent's goal. Nikki Collins, McCall-Delgado, and others receive a lot more defensive pressure because the quick and talented Riley isn't on the field.

The Vikings managed a goal against Patrick Henry in losing in La Mesa Tues., Jan. 12, 5-1. It was LJHS's league opener. La Jolla's soccer program hasn't gone this long without a win in recent memory.

Riley said she tore four ligaments in her right ankle over five months ago. Jones said she has a "tender spot" on the ankle that is not healing. Recently, Phoebe, whose sister Olivia plays on defense, was playing part-time and trying to relieve the load on the ankle that way.

"She considered surgery," said Jones, "but it's a long recovery. She wants to play, because she knows she can help right now.

"She's got four years of college ahead of her. I've told her, 'Don't hurry back.'"

Meanwhile, Riley attends all the games, even when she isn't going to play, takes part in the huddle, and sits on the bench with the other girls. She wore a Velcro cast on the leg Thursday.

Phoebe, a senior, and Olivia Riley, a junior, serve as team captains.