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The Crusaders look like they will be difficult to stop in this year’s Little 4 as they continue to impress early in the new girls soccer season.

On Wednesday, St. Bernard’s knocked off a Big 4 school for the second time in two weeks, defeating McKinleyville 7-1 in non-conference action, following their earlier 3-0 win over Fortuna.

And they did it with a big performance from the entire team, with the defense, midfield and attack all working well together.

“The girls put in a tough performance,” head coach Jeff Sellars said. “The whole team contributed.”

The always dangerous Malia Masayos and Eliana Sellars each netted twice in the win, while Cadence Figas continued her impressive start to the new season with a goal in each half.

Macie Wantt also scored in the win, with Eliana Sellars and Amber Smith each getting an assist.

“Our forwards were great today,” Jeff Sellars said. 

Figas did a good job linking play with her teammates and also put in some “hard-nosed defensive work,” according to the coach, while No. 9 Masayos also did a good job linking play with the wings.

Eliana Sellars was involved in several attacks, helping to set up her teammates with some strong passing, as well as tracking back to help her defense.

But the forwards were far from the only standouts on the day.

In midfield, the versatile Smith had another strong performance while playing multiple positions in the win.

Likewise with midfielder Alyssa Boham. 

“(She) was a real stalwart for us,” Jeff Sellars said of Boham. “She controlled the game from the middle of the pitch for us, cutting out attacks and linking up play. She had a fantastic game today.”

A defensive unit that included Carli Baum, Paula Bullock, Xochiti Granados and Chloe Grunden also had a big game keeping the Mack attack in check for much of the afternoon.

“The defense was stellar today, and put in a tremendous shift,” Jeff Sellars said.

Even more impressive was the fact this was the first time that unit has played together this season.

No stats were immediately available for McKinleyville.