Santa Rosa, Calif.- The Cardinal Newman Girls Soccer team traveled to the south end of town to take on a young and talented Sonoma Academy squad at Chris Ziemer Field on Tuesday.  It was a hard fought battle in which Newman led 2-0 at the half and held on for a 2-1 victory over the Coyotes.

Neither team could gain much of an advantage early on but about halfway through the first 40 minutes Newman worked the SA defense for a couple of corner kick opportunities.  The second one proved to a breakthrough as a perfect ball sent through the box by Nora Snearly found Fresman Bella Pearson who one-time it past the keeper and into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Sonoma Academy worked the ball to the Newman end a few times after that and after a foul call were awarded a free kick by Julia Bilal.  The left footed ball sailed high and right toward the upper right corner.  Keeper Sofia Kerrigan timed her leap perfectly and barely got a mitt on the ball and sent it a few inches over the cross to keep the score at 1-nil.

Newman countered quickly and Hennessey Saunders scored a few moments later for the Cardinals to make 2-0 at the break.

Newman nearly added a goal early in the second half on a break away by Abella Hunter who received a nice pass from Bella D'Amico but her attempt was denied as the keeper Dahlia Scanlon came out and made the play near the top of the box.

Coach John Gilson, sensing tired legs and hoping to keep starters fresh for the week began using the team's depth by subbing several players on to the pitch for the rest of the half.

Sonoma Academy got their chance about midway and capitalized as Kate Bruntlett broke free and fired one in to make it 2-1.  

The Coyotes were determined to find the equalizer but the Newman defense responded each time and held off the Coyotes down the stretch to secure the win.

"Chris (Ziemer) has a very good, young team and organizes then so well.  We always enjoy playing them," Coach Gilson exclaimed after the win. "Even though its a non-league game it will be important for seeding moving forward," He added.  "We were able to get  a lot of players game experience, which will be important as we continue the season and head toward the playoffs."

The Cardinals remain unbeaten at 4-0-3 and take on Windsor at Windsor on Thursday, before hosting an improving Montgomery squad on Senior night, next Tuesday at Ed Lloyd Field.