Since returning from holiday break, the varsity girls soccer team has been unbeatable — literally — winning nine games and tacking on two ties. The team is currently 11-3-2 with a 5-0-2 record in the West Bay Athletic League Foothill Division, putting them in a first-place tie with Crystal Springs Uplands School. “So far, I couldn’t have written [the season] out to be any better than it has,” head coach Ross Ireland said.
The squad faced a few tough preseason games, including playing against three teams currently ranked in the top 10 of the Central Coast Section, and ended up losing two of the three. “We knew it would be tough, and we performed really well in those games, despite the fact that we didn’t ever have the full complement of players until they finished club,” Ireland said.
Senior Roya Rezaee believes the team’s camaraderie this year is one reason for their success. “Even though we’re not all in the same friend group, we bond over the little things,” Rezaee said.
The annual mid-season trip to Carmel on Jan. 10-12 was a highlight for the team. “It was a blast,” Ireland said. To him, a memorable part of the trip was when he had to jump into the freezing ocean after agreeing that he would if senior Ellie Knoll scored in their game against Carmel High School.
Additionally, according to Rezaee, the team is more intense in practice compared to previous years. “We’re fighting for the ball; we’re showing that intensity and physicality that we need,” Rezaee said.
Ireland repeats Rezaee’s sentiment of intensity. He believes that the motivation comes from the amount of depth of the team. “Players are very accountable regarding attendance and their commitment to the team, knowing that if you’re a player who needs the minutes, you can’t afford to take that time off,” he said.
Two players who have stood out this season are senior center forward Angelica Chou and Rezaee. Chou leads the team in goals with 17 while Rezaee adds eight goals and assists each. Chou is second in assists with seven and junior winger Krista Arreola adds six.
According to Rezaee, the trust she has with Chou makes it easy to connect the ball to her. “I know her playing style, what she does, and I don’t even have to look,” she said. “I just can pass it and I know she’s gonna get it no matter what.”
While the team is focused on finishing first in league for the next week, they have high hopes for CCS playoffs. Last season, the team lost 1-0 against Gunn High School in the Division IV quarterfinals, which was a disappointing result for the team.
Ireland is uncertain what division the team will be in, especially considering Chou recently suffered a knee injury that leaves her status for the rest of the season uncertain; however, prior to the injury, he said that he suspected they will be in Division I and believed they could win. “No one will want to play us.”
