Girls Soccer (0-0-1) tied 0-0 in a non-league game with Fountain Valley High on Dec. 3. Their next game is non-league and away against Sage Hill High on Dec. 12.
Despite lacking their full starting lineup due to CIF guidelines, the Bulldogs played with vigor throughout the game. Quickly gaining possession of the ball in the opening minutes of the game, the Bulldogs passed it forward before the Barons and attempted a goal that landed wide. Soon after, the team made another run to score, but defender and senior Claire Hsin narrowly saved the ball by kicking it out of bounds to maintain the Bulldogs’ possession.
“Our defense was definitely really strong today,” midfielder and senior Elia Park said. “We were able to work together really well and just keep them out from scoring goals, but I think we just need to work on our finishing, which is why it was 0-0.”
As both teams grappled for the ball, the Bulldogs won a free kick in the middle of the first half, which was taken by midfielder, defender and senior Lourdes Garin, but ultimately missed the goal. The team received another free kick, which was blocked by the opposing side. The Bulldogs regrouped during halftime, pivoting their defense strategy in the midfield, according to head coach Samantha Ezratty.
“Our midfield was out of shape, so they’re supposed to be playing in more of a triangle format, and our defensive midfielder kept getting pulled wide,” Ezratty said. “They were able to regroup into their shape and were able to be a little bit more defensive-minded, which allowed us to play out into the corners. We played a much more direct game versus a possession game, which we normally play.”
The second half began with the Bulldogs playing with renewed stamina, as both teams vied to make the first shot of the game. Winger and junior Brielle Chow made two attempted goals, including a close shot from the left corner, which the Barons’ goalie swiftly blocked.
In the last minutes of the game, the Bulldogs were placed on the defensive as the Barons charged down the pitch. However, the Bulldogs’ defense held strong, and the game concluded with a tie. Moving forward, Ezratty emphasized the importance of preparation and in-game adjustments to secure a win.
“As a coach, the biggest thing obviously, we’re looking to win, but I’m looking to make sure that we have a game plan going into the game, and sometimes we need to make adjustments to that game plan,” Ezratty said. “So that was today, we made a major adjustment at halftime to restructure our midfield and the way that we play.”
