Skyridge's girls soccer team answered a region-opening loss with a statement win, shutting out a ranked American Fork squad 3-0 at home on Thursday, Sept. 3.

The victory came two days after the Falcons fell 2-0 at Lehi in the Region 3 opener for both programs on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The Pioneers scored twice in the first half and held on for the shutout, according to the Lehi Free Press.

Against American Fork, the Falcons controlled the match from the opening whistle. The Cavemen entered having lost only once in nine games.

Junior midfielder Ke'ilani Nawahine opened the scoring with what Coach Jhoan Alvizo called an "olimpico" goal, curling a corner kick directly into the net without another player touching the ball. The feat, according to the Sporting News, requires significant skill and precise placement and is rare at any level of soccer.

Sophomore midfielder Lily Boren doubled the lead with a quick strike from just outside the 18-yard box. Junior midfielder Hallee Sheffield earned the assist. Skyridge carried the 2-0 advantage into halftime.

Senior forward Cambri Condie sealed the result in the second half. Senior defender Eva Lewis played a pass that sent Condie in alone against the keeper. Condie beat her one-on-one to finish the scoring.

Alvizo said his players' intensity off the ball was a key factor, helping the Falcons win possession back quickly. He praised the team for riding out American Fork's second-half attacks and controlling the game through the final whistle.

Alvizo also credited senior defenders Gracie Watts and Leah Arnell for anchoring the backline in the shutout.

"Our region is wide open right now, so it is time to put in the work and prepare for the next opponents," Alvizo said.

The coach said he was proud of his team's mentality through the early stretch of the season, noting the players responded well to adversity and followed the game plan against American Fork.

The Falcons are off until Sept. 15, when they host Lone Peak at 3:30 p.m. to resume Region 3 play. Corner Canyon visits on Thursday, Sept. 17, also at 3:30 p.m.