After senior striker Courtney Fitzpatrick was roughed up by the Desert Christian goalie in the goal box, the Sedona Red Rock High girls soccer team turned it on and scored five unanswered goals to win its season opener, 5-0.

Larson Newspapers

After senior striker Courtney Fitzpatrick was roughed up by the Desert Christian goalie in the goal box, the Sedona Red Rock High girls soccer team turned it on and scored five unanswered goals to win its season opener, 5-0.

"All the girls witnessed their teammate go down, and they rallied behind her," Sedona head coach Tom Cadigan said.

The foul happened in the beginning of the second half when Fitzpatrick charged the goal to attempt a shot, and the goalie came out and hip checked her, hockey style.

Fitzpatrick received a penalty kick because of the foul, and it was one on one.

Fitzpatrick schooled her opponent, faking one way and going another as the goalie dove complete opposite the flight of the ball as it hit the net, 1-0 Sedona.

That goal not only pumped up the Sedona players, but it calmed them down and allowed them to play their game.

"The girls came out on edge and were nervous, but once we calmed down it all came together," Cadigan said.

After a brief lightning storm forcing both teams to go for cover, the game continued and the Scorpions simply put Desert Christian away.

Four more goals were scored during the rest of the second half as Sedona took it to the house with a 5-0 victory.

The win now improves Sedona’s record to 1-0 [0-0] on the season.

Standouts for the Scorpions were senior captain Kelly Cadigan, who had one goal on two shots and one assist.

Junior Lili Middleton attempted three shots on goal, but her defense was the most impressive.

"Lili [Middleton] played awesome on defense. She was a big part of this win" Cadigan said.

Fitzpatrick, along with her penalty kick goal, scored another goal to end the day with two.

Striker Kelly Zarcone scored two goals as well to wrap up the scoring for the Scorpions.

Offense wins games, but defense and goalkeeping wins championships.

Freshman Emma Kukulski, starting her first high school soccer game in a Sedona uniform, was the goalie for this game and stopping every ball that came her way for a shutout.

"Emma [Kukulski] is our superstar. She really came up big for us today," Cadigan said.

The girls were in action Thursday, Sept. 6, at home against Payson High.

Results were not available at press time.

Next up, Sedona will host Camp Verde High on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

It will be a double header shared with the boys team. The girls will begin at 5 p.m. and the boys begin at 7 p.m.

Brian Bergner Jr. can be reached at 282-7795, Ext. 131, or e-mail to bbergner@larsonnewspapers.com