On December 4th, the LACES girls varsity soccer team (2-0) had an amazing win against the University Wildcats (0-2). In the first half of the game LACES took the lead with two goals making the score 2-0. Continuing to the second half, our Unicorns were able to keep this momentum with the winning score being 4-0.
The team’s hard work really showed throughout the game, with the Unicorns having good passes, communication, and overall an amazing game.
According to Cecilia Portillo, the girls varsity soccer coach, players worked on shooting, getting to the ball first and opening the game to the wide during practices. On top of this the team’s center mids, seniors Skyla Guardado, Angie Contreras and Avike Varadi, were the standouts of the game.
“Our standouts were definitely our center mids Skyla, Angie and Avike. They were pretty much impenetrable,¨ said Portillo.
In the first half LACES defense was on point, having many blocks, steals and maintaining possession of the ball. On top of this junior, Rhianna Lombera was successfully able to score a goal with an assist from Varadi. Coming to the end of the first half LACES was pressuring the Wildcats in an effort to find a shot which Contreras was able to secure with the assist from Guardado. In the second half LACES keep this pressure up passing the ball trying to find each other and an opening. Soon Guardado scored with the assist from sophomore Arianna Diaz. Not long after Contreras was again able to score this time with the assist from sophomore Alice Brantley.
Though they lost five players this year, it has allowed new players to fill in their roles.
“ Of course it has affected us because we have to make adjustments, but one of the best parts is seeing the new younger players really step up and take on those roles. Which is what we are starting to see this season,” said Portillo.
Besides new players taking on these roles, both players and coaches feel confident and good about this season, especially with this game’s results.
Compared to the previous season played against the University Wildcats, this game was an improvement.
“Last year we actually really struggled against them in the first games, so being very dominant in this first game is a major improvement and made me really happy,” said Portillo.
