Date: Sept. 25
Opponent: Cristo Rey Sacramento High School
Location: Cristo Rey
Score: 0-5
Inside info per senior Abby LaComb: “Our effort was great, (but) overall, everything was challenging. (Cristo Rey) is the best team in our league. They had really good individual players and were great at possessing the ball.
“We were also playing on a turf field, so there was a different pace and style to the game that we aren’t used to.
“Our possession, free kicks and communication could be improved.”
Inside info per junior Maddie Wu: “We kept a tight formation and learned to not chase the ball. Instead, we covered the players and didn’t spread out. Whenever we (did) spread out, they were able to pass easily up the field and score on us.
“(Cristo Rey was) super fast and had excellent first touches. They really knew how to read the ball and play the right angles. Holding onto the ball for more than half a second was a feat in itself.”
Coach’s comment (per coach Matt Vargo): “(The biggest challenge was) playing in front of 500 people (who were) pumped up for (Cristo Rey’s) Homecoming game on their new turf field. It was a big event for their school, and their players were motivated.
“We never gave up, and we improved in the second half.
“LaComb played the entire game hustling between midfield and defense, (and freshman) Arjin Claire never stopped working at forward. (Freshman) Ethan Monasa had great tackles time and time again as our last defender, (and senior) Nate Jakobs was really busy in goal and had a lot of nice saves.
“We need to improve our defensive communication. Our first touch and marking on crosses (defense during long passes) need to get better.”
Next match: Friday, Sept. 28, against Western Sierra at 8 p.m. at home.
—By Sarina Rye
