VALLEY – A night meant to honor graduating players at Ram Stadium saw a split decision in a crucial 5A Area 7 soccer doubleheader on March 19, with Valley High School and Beauregard High School each claiming a victory. The results underscore the competitive balance within the area, and the stakes as teams push toward playoff contention. The Beauregard Lady Hornets secured a 3-1 win over the Valley Lady Rams, while a late penalty kick from Rams freshman Jose Diaz sealed a 1-0 victory for the Valley boys over Beauregard.
The evening was particularly poignant for the senior players on both sides, a fact not lost on the coaches. While the Lady Rams suffered a loss, head coach Eberne Myrthil emphasized the importance of celebrating the departing players and their collective growth. “Seeing them grow from when I took over the team to where we are now, I’m so proud of all of them even though we didn’t receive the outcome we wanted tonight,” Myrthil said, according to reporting from The Lafayette Sun. “It speaks volumes having them all on the field together and seeing how they push each other and never give up.”
Lady Hornets Secure Victory in Physical Match
The Lady Rams initially drew first blood in the opening game, taking the lead just eleven minutes into the match. A corner kick created chaos in the Beauregard box, ultimately resulting in a handball penalty. Gracie Llorens calmly converted the penalty, sending the Ram Stadium crowd into a frenzy. However, the lead proved short-lived. Elizabeth Gonzalez, a key player for the Lady Hornets, responded almost immediately, leveling the score with a 22-yard shot that deflected off a Valley defender and wrongfooted the goalkeeper.
Gonzalez continued to be a driving force for Beauregard, setting up Jackie Lugo for a go-ahead goal with a well-placed pass into the box. Lugo’s half-volley found the top left corner, giving the Lady Hornets a 2-1 advantage before halftime. The second half was described as tough and physical, culminating in Alleria Dupree extending the lead to 3-1 with a tap-in goal assisted by Gonzalez with just over seven minutes remaining. The Lady Hornets’ victory improves their record to 3-7-1, with a 2-0 record in Area 7 play, while the Lady Rams fall to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in the area.
Freshman’s Clutch Penalty Secures Rams’ Win
The boys’ match unfolded as a more tactical affair, with Beauregard dominating possession for much of the first half. Valley High School, however, remained resolute in defense, preventing the Hornets from capitalizing on their opportunities. The momentum shifted after halftime, as the Rams began to create more dangerous chances, utilizing the wings to stretch the Beauregard defense.
The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute when Santiago Diaz was brought down in the penalty area, earning Valley a crucial penalty kick. Freshman forward Jose Diaz stepped up to grab the spot kick, calmly slotting the ball into the right post, sending the Rams’ bench and supporters into celebration. “I don’t have the words to describe it. I knew I needed to score and help my team,” Diaz told The Lafayette Sun. “It feels really good because we lost the last game and tried hard. But in this game, we tried even harder.”
Despite a late push from Beauregard, Valley held on for the 1-0 victory. Valley boys’ head coach William Elliot praised his team’s improved confidence and deliberate play. “The last time we played them, we lost 4-1. Today, we showed more confidence and were more deliberate, in my opinion,” Elliot said. The Rams now stand at 3-4-1 overall and 1-2 in Area 7, while the Hornets fall to 6-6 with a 1-1 area record.
Looking Ahead for Area 7 Teams
The split results highlight the competitive nature of 5A Area 7. Both Valley and Beauregard will need to continue to perform consistently to secure a spot in the state playoffs. The next Area 7 matchups are scheduled for April 2nd, with Beauregard hosting both Valley teams. These games will be critical in determining the area standings and playoff seeding. The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) website provides updated standings and schedules for all classifications.
The success of freshman Jose Diaz for Valley is a promising sign for the Rams’ future, while the Lady Hornets will look to build on their victory and maintain their momentum in Area 7 play. The dedication of the senior players, as emphasized by Coach Myrthil, serves as a foundation for continued success for both programs.
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