Our girls Froshbites (Frosh/Soph) soccer team defeated Clayton Valley Charter High School 1-0 in an away game on Saturday morning. The Dons battled it out in a closely matched game in the pouring cold rain. The only goal of the game was scored in the first half by #17 Aliyah Vazquez-Fireman on a breakaway goal that was assisted by #8 Nina Bundy. We are proud of our girls for staying focused and playing their best during such difficult weather conditions!
Later that afternoon, our Dons faced Berkeley in a rematch whom they had played right before Thanksgiving Break suffering a tough loss. This time our Dons came out with a spirited effort looking for redemption. Not only was the temperature below 50 degrees, but it was raining hard the entire game and puddles were forming all over the field, certainly not ideal conditions. However, our tireless Dons put in a consistent effort for the entire game and lost just 1-0 after giving up just one unfortunate goal late in the first half.
The defensive group was particularly stout, with #20 Helena McGinley, #21 Natalie Hamill, #15 Cassidy Smith, #5 Lauren Anderson, #6 Maya Shoenhair and #19 Molly Aldrich allowed very little penetration and denied several opportunities in front of our fearless goalkeeper #23 Sara Tarnai.
Meanwhile our midfielders controlled possession of the ball against a talented group on the Berkeley side while moving the ball with calm and poise. #3 Stella Pacheco, #10 Kate Uffelman, #9 Sadie Hendrickson, #8 Nina Bundy and #19 Brooke Rardin anchored the middle of the field while #13 Maddie Bernstein, #11 Julia Munter, #18 Julia Lyons and #7 Katherine Avnaim worked the outside with speed and space.
Working up front, making things happen, was #17 Aliyah Vazquez-Fireman and #22 Charlotte Gellman, who both created some great opportunities, but unfortunately our fierce Dons could not break through for a goal. Overall the team showed grit and determination with much improved results. Off to a great start to the season; thanks to the referees and coaches for getting out there on this cold, rainy day.