Janae Gonzalez-Vista del Lago-Folsom – Soccer

The forward scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over host Cosumnes Oaks to claim the outright lead in a tight Sierra Valley Conference race. The Eagles, who tied the Wolf Pack 1-1 in the first meeting between the two teams, attacked on offense for much of the final 15 minutes of play before Gonzalez found the back of the net with five minutes left in the game. As of April 15, Vista del Lago held a slight edge in the league standings over Liberty Ranch, Cosumnes Oaks, and River City. Gonzalez leads the Eagles with nine goals and three assists with five regular season games remaining.  

The forward scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over host Cosumnes Oaks to claim the outright lead in a tight Sierra Valley Conference race. The Eagles, who tied the Wolf Pack 1-1 in the first meeting between the two teams, attacked on offense for much of the final 15 minutes of play before Gonzalez found the back of the net with five minutes left in the game. As of April 15, Vista del Lago held a slight edge in the league standings over Liberty Ranch, Cosumnes Oaks, and River City. Gonzalez leads the Eagles with nine goals and three assists with five regular season games remaining.  

SportStars Magazine: How did you get the game-winner in a key league match?

Janae Gonzalez: We were attacking the goal a lot in the final 10-15 minutes, and we had two or three good shots on goal before I got the chance that went in. We really wanted that goal to win that game, and I just happened to be the one who got the shot to win.

SSM: Do you prefer scoring goals or setting up teammates?

JG: I am more satisfied with setting up my teammates because I find it prettier to watch someone else score. I can remember what I did to assist on a goal much better than I can remember my goals, but I love doing both.

SSM: What is the key to the team’s offensive success?

JG: I think we are able to score and play well on offense because we are connected well. We started a little shaky this season because we lost some of our offense, but we were able to get things going because we connect with one another.

HONORABLE MENTION

Gabe Meza — The Granite Bay senior tossed a no-hitter in a 3-0 shutout of Roseville to open the Grizzlies’ defense of its Sierra Foothill League title. Meza struck out a career-high 11 while walking two and hitting one batter in the win..

Jacy Boles — The Woodcreek-Roseville freshman helped turn around the Timberwolves’ season by pitching in three consecutive league victories to end a four-game skid. Boles went the distance in wins over Del Oro and Roseville before finishing the game in a victory over Granite Bay. 

Hank LoForte — Franklin-Elk Grove’s sophomore shortstop had six hits in six at-bats in a pair of Wildcats wins, raising his batting average to a team-high .490. LoForte, the team’s lead-off batter, also leads Franklin in runs (15), hits (24) and stolen bases (13).