Hart girls soccer thrives against Newbury Park in first home game of the season

Taylor Moorehead dribbles past a Newbury Park defender in Hart's 4-0 win on Thursday, Dec. 21. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Shrout.
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It only took about a month, but the Hart girls soccer team finally played in the friendly confines of its own turf field Thursday afternoon.

Due to the slew of fires in Southern California, along with scheduled road games, the Indians had yet to play at home through their first four games.

Back in familiar territory, Hart looked mighty comfortable as four players logged goals in a 4-0 preleague win over Newbury Park.

“I think the fact we had four different girls scoring is encouraging,” said Hart coach Guilherme Mitrovitch. “Most importantly, I thought we moved the ball well and we had a clean sheet, and we got goals in set pieces we’ve been working on.” 

Taylor Moorehead got the Indians on the board in the first half with a shot that sailed just under the top crossbar nearly dead-center from a little over 20 yards out. Hart (3-2) went into the half with a 1-0 lead but Moorehead helped kick off a three-goal second half with a little over 26 minutes to play.

A cross from Moorehead from the right flank fell right into the lap of Izabel Reyes, who guided the ball in with her right foot. Less than three minutes later, Elizabeth MacArthur knocked in a header to put Hart up 3-0.

“Our  first three games we were missing club players due to club commitments,” Mitrovitch said. “I felt like we had good games, but I didn’t think we moved the ball as well as we did today or even our last game. 

 I think we got our groove going today.” 

Rachel Melvin finished off Hart’s scoring with a header of her own with 18:15 left to play in the contest. Reyes fielded a corner kick with a header that bounced right in front of Melvin in front of the goal.

Melvin and Moorehead make up half of Hart’s senior contingent this season, with the Indians winning the Foothill League title the last four seasons.

“We’re young, but we have a ton of depth,” Mitrovitch said. “We’re going to substitute more than we’re used to but that level of play is going to stay the same. That’s an encouraging sign, too.” 

Hart will have its alumni game Saturday then will begin play in the Hart Showcase tournament next Thursday against Crescenta Valley at The Master’s University.

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