File photo – Arcata’s Seri Welsh made 26 saves in Saturday’s win over Eureka.

The Arcata girls took a big step toward a first league title since 2016 with a 2-0 win at home to Eureka on Saturday afternoon, their first win over their rivals in almost two years.

The Tigers scored twice in the second half, both from penalty kicks, and settled into the game as it went on.

But it was goalkeeper Seri Welsh who led the way with an inspirational performance between the posts.

Welsh made a remarkable 26 saves on her way to the clean sheet, many of them difficult stops against a dangerous Eureka front line.

Head coach Patrick Stranahan described it as a stellar performance and Welsh was voted game MVP by her teammates.

The Tigers broke the deadlock in the second half, when Gracie Townsend slotted home after she was the quickest to react to a Zoe Macknicki penalty kick that hit the post.

Macknicki added the second goal later in the half, this time scoring directly from the penalty spot after Sophia Pulley was fouled in the box.

“It was a great game,” Stranahan said. “Eureka puts in a great effort every single game.”

It was also a game of two halves, with the Loggers getting the better of the early exchanges and the Tigers growing stronger after the break.

For Eureka, Claire Maples continued to impress in goal and had another big game between the posts, as did Kira Morris in attack.

The in-form Saedra Joseph also continued to impress on the back line, alongside consistent sophomore Maia Hales, who has been a rock in defense all season long.

Head coach Tommy Learmouth also praised the play of forward Lila Ekholdt.

For Arcata, Macknicki continues to grow in stature in the middle of the field, alongside Tildy Macdonald, who is enjoying an MVP caliber season.

“Zoe Macknicki is starting to be as strong as Tildy,” the coach said. “And Alia Prentiss and Kyla Berman are doing a great job for us (up front).”

With the win, the Tigers improved to 5-0-1 in the Big 5 (7-0-1 overall), while Eureka is now 4-1-2 in the Big 5 and 5-1-2 overall.

McKinleyville 5, Del Norte 1

The Panthers got their second straight win at home to Del Norte on Saturday, with a balanced team performance.

Thea Trout netted a hat trick in the win and Soffia Reyes scored twice, with goalkeeper Caitlyn Canepa assisting on one of Trout’s strikes after sending a long through ball over the Del Norte defense.

“We were able to get everybody playing time, which always is good,” Mack head coach Adam Canepa said. “All in all, I thought the team played really well. It was a good team effort and they worked really well together.”

Alyssa McCovey scored Del Norte’s only goal.