First-year Glendale Coach Dino Barbiera couldn’t have scripted a better start for the improved Nitros, who played aggressively throughout the bulk of the match.
“We wanted to get a quick one,” said Barbiera, who got three saves from goalkeeper Ebony Lewis. “Everybody is playing well, and I’m satisfied.
“Four goals is plenty, but I want to make sure they are still playing soccer.”
The Nitros did indeed continue to compete and further frustrate the Tornadoes, who had just three quality scoring opportunities. Glendale consistently applied pressure, getting a goal in the second minute from Rosales and one from Montano in the seventh minute.
“We just follow every shot,” Barbiera said. “We played our game by coming out and doing it.
“The result was good soccer.”
Hoover showed improvement in the second half. It got some good chances in the 49th and 53rd minutes, but couldn’t solve Lopez.
First-year Hoover Coach Carlos Rojas said the Tornadoes stepped up better during the final 40 minutes.
“We got out of the first half, and I said we could do the same thing they did,” Rojas said. “I’m not sad about the [final score].
“We have to keep our heads up, stay organized and try harder. I want to see us play hard every second.”
Glendale extended its lead to 3-0 on a free kick by Chiroboga in the 16th minute. The Nitros capped the scoring in the 27th minute on a goal by Mizuki, a senior midfielder, off a corner kick from Natalie Diaz.
Mizuki and Rosales each scored a goal last year to help the Nitros earn a 2-0 home win against the Tornadoes.
