Paloma Makes CIF Girls Soccer Finals for First Time

Senior goalkeeper Christina Rodriguez has made several key saves in the playoffs for Paloma Valley.

The Paloma Valley High School girls soccer team is preparing for its first appearance in the CIF finals after defeating Maranatha 1-0 Thursday night.

The Wildcats improved their overall record to 14-7-4, continuing an impressive run in the Division 6 playoffs after an undefeated league season. They face Temescal Canyon at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the championship game at Corona High School.

Goalkeeping and overall defense have been the keys for Paloma Valley in the latter rounds of the playoffs. Since beating Katella 5-0 in the first round, the Wildcats have scored hard-fought victories over 2-0 (over La Sierra), 1-0 (over Bloomington) and 1-0 (over Maranatha).

Senior goalkeeper Christina Rodriguez has made several key saves and has been aggressive in coming out of the box to stop rushes to the net. She also has received good protection from the defenders in front of her.

"I was anxious throughout the game, but I trusted my defense," Rodriguez said. "There were plays where it came down line or it was a through ball. There was one where I had to come out and I got a yellow card for it because I took out the girl. But at this time of year, you just do whatever you can to save the goal."

Melody Gonzalez scored the game's only goal in the first half.

Temescal Canyon (20-4-2) advanced to the championship game with a 2-1 victory over Sierra Vista in the semifinals.

In celebration of the team's championship appearance, Paloma Valley will hold a pep rally around the flagpole Friday at 7:30 a.m. The school also will sponsor a rooter bus to the game. Any student who buys a pre-sale ticket on campus can ride the bus for free.

Follow Menifee 24/7 for reports from the game site on Saturday.