Varsity Girls Soccer
Palo Alto 2, Homestead 0
Date of competition: Wednesday, January 5, 2011
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The Palo Alto High School girls’ soccer team (4-4, 1-0) beat the Homestead Mustangs (3-2-2) in the first league game of the season this Wednesday at home, 2-0. The Lady Vikes got off to a quick start when Virginia Tech-bound center back Helen Butler (’11) scored a goal in the opening minutes of the game. “It was fun,” Butler said. “I usually only get two goals in a whole season, so it was pretty exciting.” After the initial goal, Paly continued to apply offensive pressure, keeping the ball in the Mustang's half of the field for most of the first half. In addition to its strong offensive start, its defense was unmatchable, as Homestead only mustered a few scoring opportunities thorughout the game. Duke University-bound goalie Ali Kershner (‘11) skillfully blocked all attempts, giving the Lady Vikes more time on the opposite side of the field. Paly found the net again with 12 minutes remaining in the first half on a goal scored by center midfielder Lily Seedman (’12). Seedman’s goal was the last of the match, as Paly’s defense rendered Homestead scoreless. Paly center defender Gracie Marshall (’11) attributes the win to her team's hard work in practice over winter break and hopes to continue the intensity throughout the duration of the league season. Voice Image Photo by Paige Borsos Defensive player Gracie Marshall ('11) looks to complete a pass after stealing from her Homestead opponent. “We have been practicing all winter break for a purpose,” Marshall said. “We are getting on par with where we need to be and I think this is just a harbinger for the rest of the season.” Head coach Ernesto Cruz shares Marshall’s opinion looking further ahead into the regular season and believes the team must continue to improve. “Everyone came out with more than 100 percent effort,” Cruz said. “But we still have a lot of work to do, and we will be tested when we play more of the tough teams.” The Lady Vikes will play Monta Vista in another league showdown next Wednesday at 3:30 pm at Paly.
posted by Paige Borsos, other on Jan 7, 2011 at 1:03 pm
 Katherine Maniscalco ('13) dribbles the ball up the field in order to penetrate her surrounding defenders. |
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