The Girls Varsity Soccer team is maintaining an overall record of 5-5-2, with its most recent victories against Alhambra and Arroyo and its most recent loss against Cajon. Throughout the season, the team assesses itself and looks for aspects or gameplay that can be improved.
“This is a young team that has a chance to do great things in league finals,” Coach Joe Franco said. “I encourage everyone to come out and support them.”
During the game against La Cañada on Jan. 13, the Rams lost 2-0. The Spartans scored in each half of the game with bursts of speed that the Rams could not match.
Unfortunately, the away game at San Dimas, which was scheduled for Jan. 5, was cancelled due to the rain. However, during the second away game at Alhambra, the Rams won to the Moors, scoring one goal throughout the course of the entire game, resulting in a score of 1-0.
“The key to the victory was an outstanding goal by [Freshman] Meghan Knowles, but what was even more impressive was that the team played a solid game after a lengthy hiatus due to Winter Break, with the additional element of the recent rain,” Coach Franco said. “I also felt that the return of [Juniors] Taylor Ruiz and Kristen Chen sparked good energy in the team.”
On Dec. 19, the team won 2-1 against Alhambra, but lost 1-0 against Cajon in back to back games due to lack of communication.
To work together better, the team goes over drills and exercises that help hone in and sharpen skills as well as develop its teamwork.
“During practices the team starts with a warm up, and then we go into ball skills and passing,” Junior Amanda Avila said. “The team then moves into a scrimmage game to get accustomed to the playing field and positioning.”
Avila tore her ACL during a preseason match, so the team was forced to replace her on the playing field.
“It was hard to lose a player like Amanda because she plays so hard and loves the game,” Coach Franco said. “Her ability to play different positions well will be missed most.”
The Lady Rams have high hopes for this season. Many, if not all the team members hope to make it to C.I.F. playoffs this season. Some of the players have additional goals in mind that they hope to see fulfilled before the season ends.
“One of the team goals, as with any sport, would be to make it to C.I.F.,” Avila said. “One of my more personal goals would be to help the freshmen develop their skills so they can contribute to creating an even stronger team next year.”
The Rams’ next games will be against South Pasadena on Jan. 22 and San Marino on Jan. 27