The Varsity Girls Soccer team traveled to Cardinal Newman HS in Santa Rosa for a rare Saturday match. The Dons were missing 12 players due to prior commitments or injuries, so Coach Alex invited some fantastic JV players to the pitch. This was a match that had feelings of the movie “300”… where the outnumbered Spartan warriors battled bravely against the massive Persian army, but ultimately fell – an inspirational effort!
Cardinal Newman HS was coming off a 1-3 loss at the hands of Tamalpais, so it seemed they were determined from the kickoff to return the favor. A very organized Newman offense challenged the Dons defensive line consisting of Edie Berzansky, Avery DeMent, Cassidy Smith, and Helena McGinley (JV). Despite multiple stops by the defense, goalie Sara Tarnai had a number of shots come her way. Smith and Berzansky were able to break up multiple attacks and Tarnai made a nice save, but a Newman cross got through for a one-touch goal; 0-1.
Cardinal Newman kept up the attack, but strong midfield play by Lucca DeBiasse, Lily Polkinhorn, Leila Hamidi, and Kate Uffleman slowed the progress. Maybe a bit of luck on their side, but Newman seemed to end up with a number of corner kicks, which allowed them to show some set plays. Berzansky was able to deflect one, DeMent broke up another, and thankfully a header shot sailed wide. Unfortunately, Newman’s persistence paid off with a nice tap-in goal past a diving Tarnai; 0-2.
The Dons were determined to retaliate and Nicole Nguyen, Danica Green, DeBiasse, Hamidi, and Polkinhorn managed some offensive pressure. The Newman midfield and defensive line defended any offensive momentum the Dons tried to establish. As the Newman offensive attack continued, DeMent, Berzansky, Smith, and Ella Culbertson (JV) managed to get some offsides calls. Tarnai had another nice save, but another clean Newman cross resulted in a one-touch goal past our diving Dons goalie; 0-3.
The Dons once again managed to gain some momentum on offense as Grace Eppinger (JV) and Evelyn Lee (JV) added some fresh legs. Culbertson managed to clear some balls and Berzansky had a free kick that rebounded back for her follow-up shot that sailed high and wide. Tarnai bravely challenged and cut off a few more Newman crosses as the action seemed to go a bit back-and-forth before the half. The Newman goalie cut off a couple Dons attacks, but DeBiasse managed a strong shot that was unfortunately blocked by a Newman defender.
Coaches Alex and Jose may have had some inspirational words at halftime because the Dons seemed to come out looking a bit more equally matched with the strong Newman team. However, Melisa Adatepe was immediately tested in goal by multiple Newman crosses that she seemed to handle with ease. As the back-and-forth action continued, Eppinger had a nice pass to Polkinhorn for a shot just over the crossbar. More Dons attacks were broken up by the Newman goalie, including a nice cross by Green to Nguyen. Adatepe had a strong save of her own as the momentum switched again. Eppinger had a nice run towards the goal where she managed to take on most of the Newman defense on her own, while Green had a nice pass to a racing DeBiasse, but the defense stayed strong and kept the Dons out of the goal.
The Dons finally got on the board when Polkinhorn had a nice through-pass to DeBiasse whose shot was blocked by the Newman goalie. But, the deflection rebounded to an open Nguyen who found the open net; 1-3. Newman seemed to not like the Dons goal and came back for multiple attacks. Adatepe managed a diving save, Berzansky broke up a very strong challenge, and DeMent broke up a number of wing attacks. DeBiasse and Nguyen managed to combine for a couple last challenges, but the Newman defense and goalie shut them down.
It’s always tough to accept a loss, but this early in the preseason will allow the team to learn, grow, and mature! The Dons look to bounce back against Bishop O’Dowd on Monday, who are coming off a 3 game win streak. Go DONS!