Breakaway goals are Meagan Johnson’s business.

In Rogers’ 3-0 win against Van Buren in the 7A-West Conference soccer matchup on Friday evening, the senior forward had two.

“Her speed is phenomenal,” Rogers coach Taylor Hayes said.

ROGERS 3, VAN BUREN 0

Van Buren 0 0 — 0

Rogers 1 2 — 2

First Half

Rog — Johnson, 22:21

Second Half

Rog — Zamarron, 30:40

Rog — Johnson, 14:23

Johnson scored the team’s first goal with 22:21 left in the first half and her second with 14:23 to play in the game. After failing to convert a number of breakaway opportunities, she finally succeeded.

“That’s something I’ve had to work on is keeping the ball down,” Johnson said. “A lot of the time I’ll get down there and freak out and bomb the ball over the goal.”

Knowing that finishing plays has been her weakness in the past, Johnson is determined to improve in her final season.

“Meagan has that ability,” Hayes said. “She’s had some problems scoring in the past, but it was textbook tonight.”

There are a few things that race through Johnson’s mind as she hustles down the field competing with the defender for the ball.

“As soon as I get past this girl, I got her beat, and I just need to take on the goalie,” she said. “And as soon as I get to the goalie, I got to find the back post.”

Not only did Johnson demonstrate her scoring abilities in the win but also her sharing abilities. Johnson played a vital role in every score of the game, providing the assist to Rosy Zamarron’s goal in the second half.

Hayes said she was thrilled to take the first conference game and was impressed with her team’s performance after a difficult week. 

“This week we had a tough schedule,” Hayes said. “We got home last night at midnight and came out tonight. I’m proud of them bouncing back from that.”

The boys’ game seemed to be over before it started, with Rogers defeating Van Buren 7-0. Fifteen minutes into the game, Rogers was already leading Van Buren 5-0.

Dane Rogers completed a hat trick, scoring three goals on six shots in the shutout.

Danny Garcia finished the game with two goals and two assists. 

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