The host Homer girls soccer team bounced back from a Friday loss to Colony by defeating Palmer 7-1 on Saturday in Northern Lights Conference play to move to 7-5 overall.
Rachel Ellert had four goals for the Mariners, while Uliana Reutov, Sam Draves and Andie Sonnen added strikes. Ali McCarron held down the fort in net.
“The girls were demoralized after last night, but they came back today regrouped and refocused,” Homer coach Mike Tozzo said.
Tozzo said he played everybody Saturday, and there was not a drop in production no matter who was on the field.
Homer boys 7, Palmer 0
The host Mariners moved to 5-7 overall by shutting out the Moose in Northern Lights Conference play.
JV goalie Hoxie Parks, subbing for injured varsity goalie Kenzington Cortez, had the shutout in net. Charles Rohr had four goals for Homer, while Simon Dye had two and Dexter Lowe added a tally.
Homer coach Warren Waldorf said his team’s performance in three straight games was a good sign with the conference tournament looming.
“I just had some guys play three full games in the midfield,” Waldorf said. “They were still making good decisions today and were still quick on the ball. They’re fit.”
Colony boys 2, Homer 0
The Knights scored in a span of two minutes early in the second half to pick up the Northern Lights Conference victory Friday evening in Homer.
The Mariners dropped to 4-7 overall with the loss.
Homer goalie Kenzington Cortez started in net, but found a foot to the chin that required a few stitches. Charles Rohr took over for Cortez the remainder of the game. Homer head coach Warren Waldorf said Colony controlled the pace and found more goal-scoring opportunities, but after Cortez had to leave, the Mariners defensive line was missing Rohr, who plays a key role.
“We gotta have him to back up the work of the midfielders,” Waldorf said.
After the Mariners managed to hold Colony scoreless by halftime, Ben Sande and Alex Valdez both scored in the 49th and 51st minutes, respectively.
Waldorf said he hopes Homer’s next several matches get the team prepared for the NLC tournament in three weeks.
“We’re hoping to get through the next three (games) and end at .500,” he said.
Colony girls 7, Homer 1
The Knights had a field day en route to the NLC win Friday in Homer.
With the loss, the Mariners dropped to 6-5 overall.
Colony took a 5-0 lead into halftime, then tacked on two more in the second half. Homer scored its lone goal with five minutes remaining in regulation with a strike from Rachel Ellert.
“It was definitely an eye opener and a learning experience for the girls,” said Homer coach Mike Tozzo.
Grace girls 7, Seward 0
The host Seahawks fell to 2-5 after a Northern Lights Conference loss to the Grizzlies on Friday.
Seward coach James Wayne said Rylie Von Borstel had a solid game in goal for his squad.
Grace boys 3, Seward 0
The visiting Grizzlies shut out the Seahawks for a Northern Lights Conference victory on Friday.
