Underneath the stadium lights, the Junior High (JH) girls soccer team brought the turf to life in their semifinal game against the Somerset Academy Panthers Jan 17. Continuing their undefeated season, the lady Patriots claimed victory with a score of 6-0 on home turf once again, adding another win to their now 8-0 record and earning them a spot in the championship.
Keeping a perfect record is an impressive feat, and it would not have been possible without the teamwork, determination and relentless effort the girls display on the field. Earlier in the season, this team defeated other strong schools such as University School (7-0), Coral Springs Charter (5-0) and South Florida Heat (8-1). Each win is a team effort full of goals and assists from over half of the roster, with the semifinal no exception.
The game started off strong as eighth grader Mia Sommers kicked up the momentum, using her elite footwork to find an opening and rip a shot into the back of the net within the first fifteen minutes. Seventh grader Sofia Bucker found the goal shortly after for a 2-0 lead early on.
Bucker had an amazing night offensively, scoring two more for a hat trick, and eighth graders Ariana Doles and Kristal Salva each contributed a goal as well.
Collaboration was a prevailing factor in this win; eighth grader Arianna Doles had three assists, eighth grader Kaleigh McNicholas had one assist and sixth grader Anya Cohen had one assist, setting up strategic goals.
“I was very happy to be part of the team and help us win the game. It is a lot of fun being part of the junior high soccer team and I can’t wait for the championship,” Doles said.
Not only did the team perform well offensively, but defense, especially eighth graders Ella Horwitz, Eliza Osceola Thomas, Mattie Hall and Vanessa Sitomer kept the Panthers off the scoreboard. Seventh grade goalie Sydney Carlo got the shutout.
”We all are hard workers and it really shows during our games,” Horwitz, who has shone defensively and even scored a few goals throughout the season, said. “As a centerback, it is my job as one of the last lines of defense to make the other team’s offense turn the ball over before trying to shoot. My teammates and I did well in the game against Somerset by communicating and defending.”
Coach Greg Young expressed his content with the team this season. “It’s been an awesome season. We have only given up one goal and we won every game,” Young said. His proudest moment in the semifinal was the last goal because it was “a beautiful cross with a header to finish it.” (Said header was scored by Bucker)
Overall, the JH girls have had a spectacular season, and they aim to finish it off with a championship Jan 18.
(Photos/Zoe Horwitz)
