By: Kate Gruetter

Editor-in-Chief

Following their league victory last season, the Los Gatos High School Girls Varsity Soccer team is back to defend their title, hopefully picking up where they left off in CCS last year. With an undefeated record in preseason games, the girls team is ready to dominate in their upcoming season and give all they can on the field. 

In the first game of the Firebird Classic, a preseason tournament, Los Gatos played Pioneer High School in a tough, late night match at home. However, Pioneer was no match for LG’s offense and in the last five minutes, senior Caitlyn Simons scored a banger in the right corner, winning the game. Senior Ellie White described the victory simply: “It was incredible.” Echoing White’s enthusiasm, senior captain McKenzie Powell added that “winning our first game was really important because confidence is going to be a big part of our season this year.” 

In their next game of the tournament against Gunn High School, Los Gatos took an easy 3-0 victory, with Simons scoring her second goal of the season off a cross pass by freshman Abby Nelson. Continuing the momentum, freshman Avery Edson scored off of a breakaway at the beginning of the second half, followed by sophomore Jordan Park, who finished off a cross in the box.

If their goals are any indication, the team has incredible chemistry, which helps them work together to win. Senior Adrienne Lopez emphasized this idea, describing that “the beginning of the season is mostly focused around building connections with teammates, establishing our style of play, and setting the tone for our season, and I believe we have done all of those things.” Adding on, sophomore Leighton Ozawa emphasized that, “Our team works really well together. We are improving a lot, but also having fun in the process, which feels like the most important part of playing.” 

Despite a scoreless tied game against Westmont High School on Dec. 6, the teams found themselves in a rematch for the championship match of the Firebird Classic on Dec. 9, which ultimately ended in a 3-0 victory for Los Gatos. Freshman Maddie Kholi scored the first goal of the game, which gave the team enough momentum to put two more goals in the back of the net. 

The LGHS Girls Junior Varsity team also boasts an impressive preseason so far, with one win and one tie. Despite a tie of 1-1 in their first game against San Ramon Valley High School on Nov. 30, the JV team came back for a win the following Saturday against Carlmont High School. 

With both girls soccer teams starting their preseason off strong, they will definitely be groups to watch as they enter their league seasons. With games on Tuesday and Thursday nights, come out for a match or two and watch these teams dominate!