Holtville dominates 5–0 to advance to CIF Semifinals
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - At Birger Field, Holtville left no doubt.
The Vikings entered the night riding a perfect 10-0 record in region play and carrying the confidence of a team that believed it belonged in the CIF Division 5 conversation. Across the field stood El Cajon Valley, a squad looking to pull off the upset after a tough regular season. But by the final whistle, it was Holtville celebrating a dominant 5-0 victory to claim the D5 San Diego Sectional Championship and punch its ticket to the CIF semifinals.
Holtville controlled the match from the start and built a commanding 3-0 lead midway through the second half. Goalkeeper Ella Strahm played a key role in preserving that cushion, coming up with strong clears and keeping the Braves off the scoreboard whenever they threatened. Every time El Cajon Valley tried to build momentum, Strahm and the Vikings defense shut the door.
The Vikings continued to press offensively. Even when one scoring opportunity was denied by the Braves’ goalkeeper, Holtville stayed aggressive. El Cajon Valley managed to clear a few dangerous chances, but the pressure never let up.
Maya Taylor extended the lead to four with a goal from the left side after a beautiful feed from Jocelyn Knight, a sequence that showcased Holtville’s sharp ball movement and chemistry in the attacking third. Not long after, Isabel Garcia came up with a steal and quickly connected with Ava Legaspi, who lifted a shot over the keeper’s head and into the net to make it 5-0.
It was a complete performance — explosive offense and a shut-down defense.
After the match, first-year head coach Ruben Macias reflected on the journey.
“The energy is unmatched right now. I’m very proud of the girls,” Macias said. “It’s my first year as a coach. When I came in, I didn’t know what to expect. After we did our preseason, I saw the potential that we have, and it was just transmitting that to them, because I know that they can handle this and they can do great. We just need to get that potential out of them, and we’re getting there.”
Macias credited his coaching staff for the balance Holtville showed on both ends of the field.
“It’s all part of our coaching staff,” he said. “I do a lot of drills that we like in the field and I put them to practice. My assistant coach handles the defense and the warmups and all the drills she does — they’re very good. So we’re able to handle defense and forwards, and they attack.”
With a sectional championship secured and a semifinal matchup ahead, Macias believes his team is just getting started.
“We’re dangerous because the ladies believe in themselves,” he said. “We have the potential. We have the way to do it. Everybody has the skill, and we’re going to make it. We’re going to make it to the final round.”
If Friday night was any indication, Holtville’s belief is backed up by performance and the Vikings are charging into the CIF semifinals with momentum on their side.
