SEQUIM — Preseason conversations reflected a need for the Sequim girls soccer team.
For the Wolves to achieve their lofty goals this fall — competing for the Olympic League title and making a state tournament appearance, Sequim needed added scoring capability from players other than all-time leading scorer Taryn Johnson.
Johnson’s presence on the pitch draws the eyes and the attention of multiple defenders, leaving space and players open and available.
Coach Ken Garling knew midfielder Jenny Gomez was capable of adding even more to her game in her senior season, after an excellent 2022 saw her earn second-team All-Olympic League honors.
“We needed that more of a three-dimensional attack,” Garling said. “Opponents are going to focus on Taryn, and we need someone else who can pick up that slack. And Jenny has embraced it and is loving it.”
Gomez was on the same page.
“It’s been something I’ve realized the last few years, needing to score more,” Gomez said. “I’ve been more shot-first and have been scoring and sharing the ball when necessary and keeping the defense honest. But I have been thinking more about it.”
Her dad Javier, who still gets his kicks in for Pura Vida in the Peninsula College Recreational Soccer League, was her coach as a youngster.
“It’s something that makes me really happy,” Gomez said of her goal scoring. My dad is really happy seeing me score, especially from far away. He’s the one who taught me to kick from distance.”
And she’s been having good luck in finding the back of the net — witness Gomez’s hat trick against Bremerton, and two-goal games in wins over Port Angeles, Bremerton, Kingston — and Tuesday night against Enumclaw in a winner-to-state contest in which Gomez also booted a successful penalty kick in the Wolves’ come-from-behind triumph.
Gomez has scored 16 goals in 15 games entering Thursday night’s district semifinal with Fife.
“We call her J-Go. She just has an engine that does not quit, does not stop,” Garling said.
“Jenny has come into her own not only as a team leader, but as a goal-scoring machine. She’s really embraced that concept and embraced that leadership role. She loves those big-game moments and isn’t afraid to step up and make a play. She’s just like Taryn in that regard.”
And Gomez isn’t solely focused on the offensive aspect, even though she plays the No. 10 position for Sequim, that of an attacking midfielder.
“She’s a vital part of our attack,” Garling said. “I appreciate all the hard work she puts in. And she’s relentless, she’s an attacking midfielder, a true No. 10, but she can get back and defend with intensity.”
Gomez also is a team captain and made sure to be a friendly face for her freshman teammates like Olive Bridge and Sasha Yada.
“We made sure from the first couple of practices to welcome them and let them know they are our friends and teammates. They’ve done great and I’m happy that the seniors are appreciating the hard work.
“I remember being a freshman and being intimidated looking up at the seniors, so we agreed to not be scary or rude.”
Teammates also appreciate Gomez’s extra effort.
“I love how hard-working she is,” senior co-captain Kaia Lestage said. “Even if she’s having an off day, she’s there putting in her best effort. (Against Enumclaw) we were struggling to get started. When we got some energy, Jenny was the one putting in that extra step. She always knows what needs to be done differently.”
Gomez has the skills to play in college, something she wants to pursue.
“She has the tools to take it to the next level,” Garling said. “There’s no question about her work ethic and skill set.”
It doesn’t take much room for Gomez to make her presence felt with a goal.
“All Jenny needs is a half a space,” Garling said. “When she makes that quick turn and shoots, it is a rocket, that’s a good way to say it, and it’s typically in the upper 90 of the goal box and hard if not impossible to stop …for goalkeepers because of the pace and angle. And she still has that great vision passing the ball.
“It’s so rewarding to see her senior year all coming together nicely and translating to a great season individually and as a team.”
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at michael.carman@ peninsuladailynews.com.
