Varsity Girls Soccer won 5-0 against Capuchino High School in its fourth game of the season on Saturday, Dec. 6. Although the Matadors beat CHS 6-1 in the previous season, sophomore Emerinne Denina believes that the game this year was different. For example, she notes that the opposing team’s defense has developed, but she still recognizes MVHS’ improvement in being able to combat that and win another year.
“This year, CHS was definitely a lot tougher body-wise,” Denina said. “They were really able to push us off the ball. They’re really aggressive, but we were able to come through with our crosses on the wings.”
Denina adds that the Matadors had attempted to play different positions throughout the game. Something she says was executed well because it gave them many chances to score. Another improvement Denina has seen over the past year is the team’s ability to communicate.
“Since a lot of us have been playing soccer together for a long time, we already know how we play together,” Denina said. “We’re able to connect easily communication-wise and technically. We already know a lot about what everyone’s habits are and how they play this year compared to last year.”
To continue the team’s momentum throughout the entire season, Denina stresses the importance of rest days to watch film in their practice schedule. She attributes their win against CHS to this because it allowed them to bounce back from their tie against Lincoln High School 1-1 on Dec. 3. While freshman and left center back Lily Frefel agrees with Denina, she also notices more places for improvement.
“If we could have gotten a lot more shots and goals off, but we either took a bad touch or decided to pass it back or were offsides,” Frefel said. “But I think we did really good defensively against them, and they got a couple shots off, so I think we did a good job communicating and passing around.”
While both Denina and Frefel believe that the team has room to grow, Denina says the most important thing is to continue to show up for the team by attending every practice. Moving forward, she intends to make sure that everyone gives 100% of their effort by coming to practice and participating.
“When everyone is consistently here at practice, I feel like we’re able to consistently improve together — instead of one person not being there, not knowing what’s going on and some people knowing,” Denina said. “Everyone is there, participating together, working together and keeping up our strong bond.”
