On Monday, the JV Girls Soccer team hosted the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons. For the last 15 minutes of the first half, the O’Dowd forwards resembled Puff the Magic Dragon frolicking in the autumn mist in a land called Acalanes as they ripped off 3 goals in quick succession. For the other 65 minutes of the game, it was as if Puff ceased his fearless roar and sadly slipped into his cave as the Dons controlled possession and outscored O’Dowd 1-0.

On offense, the Dons controlled the time of possession, but didn’t get too many scoring opportunities until later in the game. Olivia Kemp scored the only Acalanes goal on a booming kick that was deflected by the Dragon goalie but was still able to find its way into the net.

The Dons had several other scoring opportunities. Grace Colaco had a nice pass to Grace Eppinger, who then passed to Madison Bernstein for what would have been a potential shot that was unfortunately thwarted by an offsides call.  Grace Eppinger had several good shots, including a wild play towards the end of the game where Caroline Tumility had breakaway run down the field where she overwhelmed a Dragon defender and passed to Grace Eppinger, who kicked a rocket off the cross bar that almost went it as it caromed off the O’Dowd goalie.

Other than those fateful 15 minutes, the defense played well. Helena McGinley made a great play in front of the goal to prevent more damage. The team also got some help again from girls on the Frosh and the Furious team as Alexa Wall and goalkeepeer Maria Statnikova helped “Wall Off” the Dragons offense.

Get to Know Coach: Coach Jose’s Birthday is on April 20, which coincidentally is the same day that Peter, Paul and Mary released their “Puff, the Magic Dragon” recording in 1963 (actually that isn’t true, it was released in January). 

The team hits the road to take on Maria Carrillo High School on Wednesday 12/11 @ 5pm