Lady Trojans clip Thunderbirds

Orland High's girls soccer team won Thursday on the road, besting Las Plumas 3-0 in Butte View League action despite being minus five starters who were out for minor disciplinary reasons.

The starting roster took to the field in the second half, helping to dominate the game over Las Plumas. The Thunderbirds were not able to get off any shots on goal, nor take the ball across the Orland midfield.

Giving the non-starting players time is important to Orland coach Tim Milhorn who said, " We played almost everyone, got some freshmen some experience and won the match. A 3-0 win is good enough for us. We do not need to leave in all the starters and run up the score like some (other) teams."

Lady Trojan Karla Valverde scored on a penalty kick to give Orland the first-half lead over the Thunderbirds. Angelica Moralez and Yaneth Munoz each tacked on a goal each. Munoz hammered two shots on goal that deflected off the crossbar, while two more were deflected in front of the Las Plumas goal.

Orland keeper Esme Esquivel racked up a stellar seventh shutout on the season, while Gelsey Quiroz and Vanna Salinas played outstanding games for the Trojan side, according to Milhorn.

Speaking later of missing important starting players during the first half, the coach said, " It's tough to bench players, but following the rules is more important than winning."

Orland (12-4-2, 7-1-1 BVL) hit the road Tuesday to battle Winters, before hosting Willows Friday.