Natalia Sannovich’s two first half goals and Diana Espinoza’s big insurance goal in the second half propelled Pasadena to a two-goal win over Burbank 

In the battle of the Bulldogs girls soccer matchup, Pasadena came away winners over Burbank behind goals by Natalia Sannovich and Diana Espionza. Sannovich scored two goals in the first half and Espinoza scored a big insurance goal to help the visiting Bulldogs take down the host Bulldogs by two goals. Burbank came into this contest following  an 8-0 win over Sacred Heart of Jesus last Thursday and Pasadena came off a 0-0 draw with Burroughs back on Friday. 

Sannovich and Emily Taghon each missed goal chances to start the first half in the 8th and 9th minutes of play. Sannovich later got the visiting Bulldogs on the board first with the game’s first goal in the 17th minute of play. Sannovich scored her second goal of the first half in the 39th minute of play to put Pasadena up by two. Jocelyn Morinaga had opportunities at goal, but unfortunately the ball didn’t bounce her way as she did not capitalize in the 19th and 29th minutes of play. Pasadena ended the first half with a  2-0 lead at halftime. 

Following halftime, Espinoza gave the visiting Bulldogs some breathing room with an insurance goal to put Pasadena up by three. Morinaga had another opportunity to get Burbank on the board, but her chance at goal missed in the 18th minute of play. Serene Licea scored an own goal for Pasadena in the 38th minute of the second half getting Burbank on the board, still trailing 3-1. The host Bulldogs were unable to generate much more and the game would end with that score line.

“We had a game plan to attack early but the girls ended up not following through with it for the most part. In the later part of the second half they found a way to do it but it was too late.” said Dennis Leon. Leon also added that the girls could not execute the little things during the loss but sounded hopeful that the team will learn from this loss heading into the next game with Muir. 

Burbank falls to 6-2-1 overall and 1-1-0 in Pacific League play with Pasadena improving to 2-3-2 overall and 1-0-1 in Pacific League play. Both teams will return to action on Thursday, December 18th as Burbank will host Muir and Pasadena will host Arcadia. Both of those games are scheduled for 3:45 p.m.