On Friday, the JV girls soccer team hit the road to take on the 4-1-1 Northgate Broncos to kick off (pun intended) the three day weekend. Despite controlling the ball for a majority of the game, the Dons fell 4-1 as the team wasn’t able to convert opportunities, and conversely the Broncos seemed to cash in every opportunity they had.
On offense, Caroline Tumilty (#8) scored the only goal for the Dons on a great hard shot she buried in the back of the net. To say that the team had other scoring opportunities would be an understatement. Grace Eppinger (#22) and Caroline had shots that sailed just wide of the goal, and Caroline also had a shot just over the goal. Frosh call-ups Allie Schofield (#10A) almost scored on a play where the goalie had to make a slide tackle, and June Natal (#23) had a nice dribble, turn, and shot. Tatum Walsh (#13) almost scored on a nice corner kick from Caroline, and Madison Bernstein (#12) also had a few scoring opportunities.
The defense kept the Dons in the game early. Olivia Kemp (#5) saved a would be goal with a nice play near the net. Olivia Bernier (#11) played tenacious defense. Sierra Goyert (#10), Ella Culbertson (#3), and the rest of the defense also stymied the Broncos offense early. The Broncos scored their first goal off a corner kick where the ball seemed to stand still front of the goal before they were able to convert. After scoring again, the Broncos got a couple insurance goals, the first on an improbable free kick that hit one of the side posts, went in, and then spun out after hitting the other side post, and the other on a breakaway shot.
This game makes it really difficult to keep my new year’s resolution of being positive, but here goes. I am thankful for the 3-day weekend and associated lighter traffic down Ygnacio Valley Drive. I am thankful for Sierra Culbertson giving Acalanes Boosters a shout out by mentioning that we supply more soccer balls, thus minimizing in-game downtime. I am thankful for blue painters tape so Sierra Goyert (#10) and frosh call-up Allie Schofield (#10A) could have different numbers. I am thankful that a kid running to the stadium and then on the track narrowly missed colliding with me twice. I am thankful that I got into the game for free, which must have been because of the press credential I showed at the gate. Lastly, I am thankful that I clarified the rules with Andy Eppinger that parents aren’t eligible to get shout-outs in back to back games no matter how much schmoozing they do.
Get to Know Coach: Coach Jose started playing at the age of 6. He played 4 years of high school as a Goalkeeper and Attacking Mid, as well as two years in College at SFSU.
Come cheer on the girls as they return home to take on Miramonte at 5pm on Thursday (1/23)
