In a thrilling encounter marked by intense rivalry, the Sonora High School girls soccer team defeated La Habra High School 3-2 on March 14, 2024, claiming the coveted trophy known as “The Cleat” for the first time in four years. This nonleague match, held at La Habra, showcased the fierce competition that exists between these two neighboring schools, located just two miles apart.
Decisive Moments in the Match
The match’s decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Zoey Gutierrez executed a stunning free kick from 40 yards that found its way into the goal, securing victory for the Raiders. Gutierrez, who contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, expressed her satisfaction with the win, stating, “It feels very fulfilling, especially with this team. I love every girl on this team, and it feels so good to win it with them.”
Initially, the Raiders took the lead with a goal from Oliva Madera late in the first half. However, the Highlanders equalized in the 56th minute through a strike from Angelina Santana, followed by a second goal from Emily Flores, giving La Habra a 2-1 advantage just three minutes later. Despite the setback, Sonora rallied, with Madera scoring again from a free kick supplied by Gutierrez to tie the game at 2-2.
A Test of Resilience
Following the equalizer, Gutierrez’s free kick marked a pivotal moment in a match that both teams approached with high intensity. Sonora’s coach, Cory Wit, praised the team’s determination, 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.”
The rivalry, which has been a staple in local sports since 1994, intensified this season as both teams compete for pride and recognition. Diego Gonzalez, La Habra’s coach, acknowledged the competitive spirit displayed by both sides, remarking, “It felt like a CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) 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.”
This match was initially scheduled at Sonora but was relocated to La Habra due to poor field conditions. As a result, Sonora will conduct the remainder of its home games at La Habra this season. The victory not only adds to the Raiders’ legacy but also reignites the spirit of competition in this storied rivalry.
