Sonora Girls Soccer Triumphs Over La Habra, Secures Rivalry Trophy

The Sonora High School girls soccer team defeated La Habra High School 3-2 on March 14, 2024, reclaiming “The Cleat,” a bronzed trophy symbolizing their fierce rivalry. The match, held at La Habra High School, showcased an intense battle between the two teams, marking a significant victory for the Raiders after four years without the trophy.

Decisive Moments in a Thrilling Match

With the score tied at 2-2, a free kick by Zoey Gutierrez proved pivotal. In the 70th minute, Gutierrez executed a remarkable shot from 40 yards that sailed directly into the goal, delivering the game-winning point. “It feels very fulfilling, especially with this team,” Gutierrez expressed after the match. “I love every girl on this team, and it feels so good to win it with them.”

Gutierrez initially aimed to assist teammate Oliva Madera, but her shot found the net instead. Madera had already scored both of Sonora’s first-half goals, establishing the Raiders’ 1-0 lead late in the first half.

The second half saw a dramatic turnaround as La Habra equalized through Angelina Santana in the 56th minute. Shortly after, Emily Flores capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the Highlanders ahead 2-1. “I’m proud of the way we got ourselves back into it,” said La Habra coach Diego Gonzalez. “In the last 10 minutes of that first half, we were just defending.” The match intensified as Sonora leveled the score again with Madera’s second goal, assisted by Gutierrez.

The Rivalry and Its Significance

The rivalry between Sonora and La Habra stretches back decades, with both schools located approximately two miles apart. Since 1994, the teams have competed for “The Cleat,” which adds a layer of tradition to their encounters. This match was not just about the trophy; it also held implications for team morale and local pride.

Sonora’s coach, Cory Wit, praised his team’s resilience, stating, “The group of girls that we have this year just have a mentality that we’re just never going to quit. It doesn’t matter what the score is. We’re going to keep playing and we’re going to keep grinding.”

Originally scheduled to take place at Sonora, the match was moved to La Habra due to poor field conditions. This change means that Sonora will play its remaining home games at La Habra for the season.

As the season progresses, both teams are focused on continuing their competitive spirit. Gonzalez noted, “It felt like a CIF (playoff) game. I told them after the game, how we respond is what’s going to show our character. We’ve had a great season so far. Our season is not done yet.”

The victory not only marks a turning point for Sonora but also adds another chapter to an already rich history of rivalry matches.