On what seemed like the coldest and windiest night of the season, the Girls Varsity Soccer team faced #7 seed, Terra Linda of San Rafael, in Round 2 of NCS on Saturday night. Terra Linda plays in a highly competitive league, so the Dons knew that this game was going to be a battle, regardless of their seeding.

A foul was committed by Terra Linda within the first 10 minutes on our offensive side of the field. The ball was placed on our 30-yard line. Who takes the free-kick? Yep, Tatum Zuber. What does she do? Yep, she scores! From 30 yards out! Another highlight-reel goal. Dons up 1-0, and that is where the score stayed for the remainder of the first half.

During the second half, the wind was in our favor. Both teams were playing with high intensity. Several shots on goal, corner kicks…very stressful. Until T Zubs struck again. With about 7 minutes remaining in the game, Tatum somehow gets herself free and blasts another shot into the left corner of the goal. The Terra Linda goalkeeper seemed to just stand in awe as the ball blitzed by her. Dons up 2-0 and that was the final score.

This game was truly a team effort. The backline defenders (Dylan Hagglund, Aliye Wingate, Sami Hansen, Chloe Quintella and Jacque Peacock) were insane, per usual. Junior Sami Hansen was especially stellar with tremendous defense and stopping any real threat that came her way.

Keeper Kate Carter had a few great saves in the beginning of the first half to keep Terra Linda off the scoreboard and she was able to distribute the ball well when she got possession.

The midfielders were also tough. Gabby Ortale, Beth Daughters, Natasha Malinovsky and Ivy Souza held their own by distributing the ball, keeping possession with sharp passing and pressuring on defense. Natasha Malinovsky and Gabby Ortale played especially well in the midfield.

The front line, Tatum Zuber, Addie Bailey, Maile Broad, Emily Keeler, and Eliza Parry all played well and had several shots on goal. Maile Broad and Emily Keeler were extremely aggressive and played hard in the win.

Next up for the Dons is NCS Round 3! They are in the semi-finals on Wednesday at 7pm at Acalanes and will face #6 seed Petaluma. It should be another very competitive game. Thank you to all of the fans that showed up to support the girls on such a cold night! It is truly appreciated and means so much. #donsshowup

Go DONS!