Samantha Sizemore’s two first-half goals set the table for the win

The John Burroughs Bears swept their back-to-back with a 7-0 win in their season home opener against  North Hollywood, earning the first career win at home for head coach Robert Sanchez. Burroughs won the first leg of the back-to-back with a 4-2 win over Louisville, giving Sanchez his first career win as head coach of the Burroughs High girls soccer program. North Hollywood previously suffered a 4-0 loss to Arleta back on Friday, December 6th. 

The Bears had momentum early on in the first half as they scored six goals. Samantha Sizemore scored two goals in the fifth and 11th minutes of the half, while Maya Pelaez had a goal in the 12th minute. Both Isabella Estrada and Catriana Sandoval scored goals in the 30th and 38th minute of the half respectively to help Burroughs lead 6-0 over North Hollywood at halftime. The Huskies never had any real chances at scoring goals throughout this half, as they were held scoreless throughout the game. 

The second half was mostly a defensive display for both teams. Itzel Quintero and Maya Pelaez had missed chances at goal in the fourth and 11th minutes of the half before Geneva Kiefer scored a big 18th-minute goal to put the Bears up by seven. Kayla Duran also had a chance to put the Bears up 8-0 in the 24th minute of action that was missed. Maddy Olsen of Burroughs was not forced to make a save and no goals were allowed in net while Jada Cortez of North Hollywood recorded four saves and allowed six goals in net. Olivia Reed of the Huskies recorded three saves in relief of Cortez. 

“We came out prepared, North Hollywood came in with lots of injuries. Ironically we knew we were going to be strong,” said Robert Sanchez. Sanchez added that Sizemore would be a key player in the win over the Huskies. 

Burroughs improves to 2-2 while North Hollywood drops to 0-5. Burroughs will play a doubleheader on Saturday, December 14th at the Best of the West Tournament at Costa Mesa High School against Kennedy (9:30 AM) and St Bonaventure (12:30 PM). North Hollywood will take on Poly in the new year which will take place on Monday, January 13th at 4:00 p.m.