Haley Rivera leads three-layer wall of defense for No. 8 Saugatuck soccer
SAUGATUCK - With a new wave of defenders entering the lineup this season, the Saugatuck soccer team had to figure out the best system.
The Trailblazers tried two defenders back, but in the end, settled on one - the centerpiece of what has turned out to be a spectacular three-layer scheme that has led Saugatuck to its first conference championship and an 11-1 record.
Haley Rivera has a lot of ground to cover in that defender position. She is the last line of defense before goalie Kennedy Gustafson, and has done an incredible job thwarting scoring chances.
"We had always played two back, but we tried Haley alone in the back," Saugatuck coach Jordan Campbell said. "To see her confidence grow and command that space, we feel really comfortable with her back there. She is aggressive and does everything you want. Plus, we have a great keeper. Kennedy is so good, and with Haley alone back there, it frees us up to challenge balls that we wouldn't otherwise."
Rivera is a three-sport athlete, playing volleyball and was also a standout basketball player. She has used what she learned in all three sports to have a defensive edge on the soccer field.
"Playing basketball and volleyball really helps with reaction time. Playing soccer, you don't always realize how big of a deal that is. It comes in handy a ton. The endurance carries from one sport to another - and vision helps with my communication," Rivera said.
Saugatuck (14-1) has scored 65 goals this season and allowed just eight. Three of those came in the season opener against Hamilton, a team two divisions larger. Since then, in 12 games, the Trailblazers have outscored opponents 67-5 and have broken the school record for wins.
Rivera and the defensive line have been so strong that Gustafson has only faced 30 shots in those 10 games. That is only three scoring chances per game, which in high school soccer is incredible.
"It is amazing because it is a spot I have only been playing for a few years. We have so many young players in the back line, and to see us play like an experienced back line, even though we don't have a ton of experience, is just awesome," Rivera.
It gets even better when Saugatuck gets a lead. The Trailblazers can then drop all-state midfielder Adele Nieuwsma back to a more defensive role, forcing teams to go through her and Rivera just to get to Gustafson, one of the best keepers in the state.
"Getting a lead relieves some of the pressure and builds our confidence. We could play our game," Rivera said.
It is no wonder they have given up so few goals.
"It is awesome teaming with Haley. We have a lot of good chemistry and we rely on each other a lot," Nieuwsma said. "She has a good voice back there and same thing with Kennedy in goal. We feel safe."
Now, after two district titles, the Trailblazers have their first conference title, and are looking for more.
If they can get the lead, it will be difficult for any opponent to get through those three elite layers of defense. It could mean another long postseason for the Trailblazers.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Haley Rivera leads three-layer wall of defense for Saugatuck soccer
