Ruiz’s boot helps Avondale trip Rochester
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
PONTIAC — Auburn Hills Avondale is faced with a unique situation. The school district is renovating the high school’s athletics complex, leaving its spring teams to with no place to call home.
The Yellowjackets have had to scramble to rent facilities, parks, middle schools or play all contests away from home.
Still, Avondale found a temporary new home to its liking, the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, where the soccer team will play home games this season. The Yellowjackets also found a result to their liking with a 1-0 win over Rochester Tuesday afternoon in OAA Red Division play.
“We have a few games over at the ultimate this year, the rest are away games,” offered veteran Avondale coach Dave Muczynski, who is in his 17th season with the Yellowjackets, second-longest of any OAA coach. “Right now we’re just trying to come together. We have a lot of girls back, but we have some newer girls that just need some confidence. They are talented, the freshmen, but it takes time coming in and playing in this league.”
Rochester is still trying to find its offensive touch. The Falcons (1-2-0, 1-2-0) have scored only one goal in three games, that coming in 1-0 win over Clarkston. The Falcons also dropped a 1-0 decision to Berkley.
“We only scored one goal in our season opener,” said Rochester coach Todd Heugh, who is in his 11th season. “We have played solid defensively, but we have not been able to finish. That was a concern before the season began.”
Avondale scored its goal with just over 35 minutes left to play. Senior forward Xaidina Ruiz tucked in a shot inside the box following a cross from Alyssa Johns.
“I got a feeling that we’re going to be in a lot of 1-0 games this year. What side we fall on is a different story,” offered Avondale coach Dave Muczynski. “I don’t see us being involved in a lot of high scoring games this season. Now, once some of the younger players get acclimated to this league and gain confidence, then I believe we’ll be a better team.
“I’m pleased we gained a win against such a solid team like Rochester,” added Muczynski. “They are always a quality team and well-coached. I know they are similar to us, as they are trying to find someone to score goals.
Andrea Strauss finished the night with eight saves for the shutout for Avondale (1-1-0, 1-1-0).
Laura Ivezaj made seven saves for Rochester.
“We had some chances. We had some dangerous chances late, we just could not put them on target,” added Heugh.
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Category: Auburn Hills Avondale, High School, Prep Wraps, Rochester
