Hempstead vs Westbury

HIGHLIGHTS

Jasmin Arias scored on a penalty kick midway through the first half to give Hempstead a 1-0 victory over Westbury in Nassau AA-II girls soccer. Her goal delivered Hempstead its first victory since 2018, according to coach Eduardo Espinoza. Espinoza called it "like a fairy tale" to see Arias score the winning goal. He said Arias is a senior who takes five AP classes and has been on the team through tough games and COVID cancellations. "She was there along the whole way," Espinoza said. "So I'm glad she was a part of the win." Aileen Velasquez had 12 saves in the victory. Espinoza, in his second full season as head coach, also called it a "dream come true" to see the program record an early-season victory and hopes it gives the players more confidence the rest of the year. "You could tell them 'Trust the procss' all you want but until you see results ... high school kids aren't really patient," Espinoza said. "But to get a result like in the fashion they did, I couldn't be happier for them."