HERRIMAN — Waterford’s girls soccer team may have had a good feeling that one goal may be enough in Saturday’s 2A championship final against Maeser Prep.
The last time the Ravens and Lions met, Cami Simmons scored in the second extra-time period to lift Maeser to a 1-0 victory — a win that likely played a significant role in handing the Lions the No. 1 overall seed in the 2A state tournament.
Nearly a month later, one was enough again.
Jessica Miller, a former goalkeeper who started at center back, scored the lone goal off her right foot to open the second half as the Ravens defended last year’s title with a 1-0 win over Maeser Prep at Zions Bank Stadium.
It’s the ninth championship in program history for the Ravens (15-5), breaking a tie with Alta and Rowland Hall for the most since the Utah High School Activities Association sanctioned girls soccer in 1989.
“There’s nothing like it,” Miller said. “Last year, this year; there’s nothing like it.”
After a scoreless first half, Waterford struck first when Miller took a touch following a corner kick and finished inside the box in the 42nd minute to take a 1-0 lead.
“I know Berklee’s crosses super well, and I just knew I had to get in front of 21,” Miller said of her goal. "I was so happy, pure ecstasy. I knew that if we could break it open and get one goal, then we could keep it.”
Then she went to work doing what she did best: defending her butt off to help clinch a second title for fellow seniors Lexee Hasebi, Eva Silvero and the rest of the Ravens’ defense in Savvy Williams, London Taix and Andrea Sun.
“Going back to my defense, that was just normal,” Miller said, “to go back with Savvy, London and Andrea.”
Photographer Josh Wood was there for Salt City Soccer. Check out his photos below, follow him on Instagram, and feel free to leave a tip on Venmo if you feel so inclined.
His photo gallery is a treat. More photos are available to purchase on his website.
