When Mark Murphy took over as head coach of Denair High School’s girls varsity soccer program in 2022, his vision for the Coyotes was to play as a team with the hopes of developing a winning culture. The program hadn’t had a winning season in over a decade at that point.
That streak broke in Murphy’s second season with Denair, with the Coyotes going 11-8-2 overall, a far improvement from the season prior and their previous winning season in 2007-08.
In the final minutes of Tuesday’s match, Denair showcased why they are currently among the best teams in the Southern League.
Tied 2-2 with two minutes remaining in regulation, sophomore midfielder Jazmin Padilla was headed toward Gustine’s goal box and fouled by one of the Reds’ defenders, resulting in a free kick. As players and coaches from the sidelines stood anxiously, Padilla iced the game as Denair went on to win 3-2 against Gustine.
The win not only tied last season’s win total as they improved to 11-5-1, but they also remain undefeated in Southern League play at 7-0.
Padilla continues to add to her breakout season with her third hat trick performance, accumulating 29 total goals scored. The sophomore has recorded at least a goal in every game this season.
With this being her second season on varsity, Padilla credited her mentor, then-senior Skynlynn High, who led the team in total goals scored last season, for teaching her some of the lessons that she now knows as a player.
“She (Skynlynn) was a big help … she taught me to keep going [and] to not give up on everything,” Padilla said. “No matter what’s happening … you stay on track.”
A majority of last season’s roster returned this season and for Coach Murphy, it brings continuity they can depend on especially with some of those players being underclassmen.
“We just wanted to turn Denair from not having winning seasons to having winning seasons. And we’ve been able to do that,” Murphy said.
While each team scored a goal in the opening half, they also played aggressive defense during the majority of the opening half as every time both squads got close to the opposing team’s goalpost, a defender was present to make a timely stop and steal possession.
Off an inbound throw, senior forward Shandel Aguilera scored a header in the fourth minute to put the Reds ahead, 1-0.
Two minutes later, Denair responded with a goal of their own after Padilla’s shot attempt from the left side of Gustine's goalbox struck past sophomore goalkeeper Bethany Guinn, tying the game 1-1.
With an opportunity to put Gustine ahead, Aguilera missed an attempt that ended up hitting the crossbar of Denair’s goalpost.
With both teams tied at halftime, Murphy’s message to the Coyotes was to keep going through the rough stretches.
Much of the second half continued to be a defensive showcase as players kept on tight defense to prevent a possible goal. However, Denair would get an opportunity to score in the 63rd minute.
After Gustine’s sophomore forward fouled Padilla near the Reds’ goalbox, Denair was awarded a free kick. Padilla struck the ball in the left side of the goalpost to give her team a 2-1 lead with 17 minutes left.
Moments later, Aguilera was fouled, which resulted in a free kick for her as she scored to tie the game with four minutes left.
Padilla went on to score the game-clinching goal for Denair.
With five games remaining in the season, the Coyotes will host Delhi High School on Friday at 3:30 p.m. For Murphy, he understands what lies ahead for this team as they look to continue their momentum.
“We have an opportunity to win league … I didn’t even fathom that at the beginning of the season, we have an opportunity and they are determined to do well,” Murphy said.
