The girls varsity soccer team’s performance last year resulted in an overall record of 5-9-2, which in turn netted a relegation of the team. Although moving from the highly competitive Bay Division to a slightly less competitive Ocean Division is a setback, the team is ready to make a Central Coast Section playoff appearance.
Last year, a lack of experience hindered the team as six freshmen joined the varsity team. Now with a whole year of varsity soccer under their belts, those underclassmen hope to make larger impacts this year.
The lack of varsity experience will also be improved with the addition of three former players that were previously part of the 2020-21 CCS qualifying varsity squad. Senior defenders Kaylah Bresee and Izzy Birkelund both returned from a year off due to club commitments, while Kayla Roth returned after being unable to play last year due to a jaw surgery.
The team’s increased experience contributes to the exciting prospect of this year’s season.
“We’re returning 12 players from last year’s squad, so all those girls have a [year’s] minimum of experience,” said head coach Michael Flynn. “Whereas last year, we only had six girls that had [previously] played at the high school level.”
Familiar themes crossed through last year’s season: finishing tries and close games. The Dons had four one-score losses and two ties. If the Dons were able to cut down their mistakes in those tight games or put themselves in positions of power by executing on their tries, their record would have changed dramatically.
“I think we need to make our chances count, finish more and just [be] a stronger team mentally when it is a close game … to give that extra percentage to push through … with … a win instead of a loss,” said sophomore defender Felicity Corti.
Photo Credit: Anna He
The Dons look to go back to their aggressive nature of play, which was present in their 9-1 record from the 2020-2021 season, in which they scored 14 goals in a game against San Mateo. That season propelled them into the Bay Division, which they poorly competed in last season. With the relegation of the team and their increased experience, Flynn hopes that the aggressive and high octane offense of two seasons ago will be more present this year.
Flynn believes that a common goal and bond through one core value sets a team apart from the rest. This credence is built upon the results of many teams that he has coached in the past.
“If [we] believe, whether it’s in yourself, your teammates or coaches, … that you’re going to make something happen when you step on the field, then we’re going to have a really good season,” Flynn said.
A focus on finishing and a steadfast internal belief will be emphasized throughout the Dons’ season. With more experience, the Dons look through a lens of hope as they take their first steps of the new season in the coming weeks
The team’s first league game will be against Terra Nova on Jan. 12 at 4:30 p.m.
