Four Troubies Score to Advance in Section Playoffs.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis soccer team advanced in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoffs with a 4-0 win over No. 11 seed Oak Ridge on Wednesday.

“I am very proud,” said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson. “It took us almost 25 minutes to find ourselves. This is a group that is very connected and they really want to do well for each other. We found ourselves and played St. Francis soccer and then we got some chances.”

After a scoreless first half, the St. Francis soccer team benefitted from an own goal off a shot by Elise Urkov for the 1-0 lead in the second half. The goals sparked the Troubadour offense as SF added three more in the half to move on in the bracket.

“I put a cross in and the other team was there and we got lucky,” said Urkov of her cross that resulted in an own goal. “It changed the atmosphere of the game. It was a good feeling to kinda get it started.”

Junior AJ Tanner hit a beautiful free kick off into the right corner of the net, increasing the lead to 2-0.

“It was awesome,” said Tanner of her free kick. “I was really nervous going into it because my first one I missed it and was not on frame. It was great to get the compliments from my teammates.”

Sophomore Grace Barger extended the lead with goal in front of the net off an assist by Ella Sloss to give SF a 3-0 lead. Lindsey Porter knocked in the fourth goal to seal the win for the Troubies.

“Collectively we played as a team,” said Porter. “We worked for each other and that made us successful. Once we got a goal our confidence went up and kept putting them in. On my goal, I finally listened to (Coach) Maryclaire and took a touch and kept my head up. I saw the chance so I took the shot.”

St. Francis will travel to Granite Bay in second round action on Friday. Game time is expected to be at 3 p.m.

“It is really exciting to go forward,” said Urkov. “We are looking forward to the next game and see how far we can go and try our best.”

Sac-Joaquin Section Division I First Round Girls Soccer

St. Francis 4, Oak Ridge 0

SF – Tanner, Barger, Porter, Urkov.

D1 girls soccer: @DavisBlueDevils 14, @SoulVikeAthletx 0 
@FHSAthletics2 2, @EnochsUpdate 2 (Franklin wins PKs)
Folsom 4, @TurlockAthletic 0 
Cosumnes Oaks 1, Kennedy 0 
@GraniteBayHigh 1, McClatchy 0 
@SFHSSacSports 4, @ORHSEDH 0 
Tracy 2, Vacaville 1 
@PleasantGroveHS 3, Modesto 1