Sonora Girls Soccer Triumphs Over La Habra in Thrilling Rivalry Match

In an electrifying encounter on March 14, 2024, the Sonora High School girls soccer team secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over their rivals, La Habra High School, during a nonleague match held at La Habra. This win marks the first time in four years that Sonora has claimed the coveted trophy known as “The Cleat,” a bronzed soccer shoe mounted on a wooden pedestal symbolizing the rivalry between the two schools.

The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Zoey Gutierrez executed a stunning free kick from 40 yards out, which sailed directly into the goal. Gutierrez, who finished the match with one goal and one assist, expressed her joy following the win. “It feels very fulfilling, especially with this team. I love every girl on this team, and it feels so good to win it with them,” she said.

Gutierrez added that her intention was to target teammate Oliva Madera near the back post. “I was looking for Olivia’s head, and I kind of missed, but it went in,” the senior and team captain reflected, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the game.

Back-and-Forth Drama Characterizes the Match

The match unfolded with a flurry of action, particularly in the second half. Sonora initially took the lead with one of Madera’s two goals, which occurred late in the first half. However, La Habra quickly equalized with a goal from Angelina Santana in the 56th minute. Just three minutes later, La Habra surged ahead 2-1 with a strike from Emily Flores.

Despite the setback, Sonora responded with tenacity. Madera equalized again with her second goal, converting a free kick from Gutierrez, which set the stage for the dramatic winning goal. “The group of girls that we have this year just have a mentality that we’re just never going to quit,” remarked Sonora coach Cory Wit. “It doesn’t matter what the score is. We’re going to keep playing and we’re going to keep grinding.”

The intensity of the rivalry was palpable throughout the game, with both teams exhibiting determination and skill. La Habra coach Diego Gonzalez acknowledged his team’s efforts, stating, “I’m proud of the way we got ourselves back into it. In the last 10 minutes of that first half, we were just defending, defending, defending.”

Longstanding Rivalry and Future Matches

Sonora and La Habra have a rich history of competition, with the girls soccer teams contesting “The Cleat” since 1994. The schools are located just two miles apart, fostering a fierce rivalry that extends across all sports. Previously, both teams competed in the Freeway League, but recent league realignments at the start of the 2024-25 academic year have altered their competitive landscape.

Gonzalez noted the significance of the match, comparing its atmosphere to that of a CIF playoff game. He emphasized the importance of resilience moving forward, stating, “I told them after the game, how we respond is what’s going to show our character. We’ve had a great season so far. Our season is not done yet.”

Originally scheduled to take place at Sonora, the match was relocated to La Habra due to poor field conditions. Sonora will continue to play its home games at La Habra for the remainder of the season.

This thrilling encounter not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also underscored the strong community ties and traditions that define high school sports. As the season progresses, both Sonora and La Habra will look to build on this rivalry, continuing to capture the excitement of their supporters.