The Patriots were matched up against rival Quince Orchard on Oct. 2. The Patriots came out slow, not able to find their offense. QO was able to get the early lead, getting inside the box twice in the first half and converting on both attempts. Heading into the half down 2-0, the Patriots were determined to get it together.
The team came out in the second half and started off strong with sophomore forward Natalie Matikyan knocking in a goal to make the score 2-1. In the following possessions the Patriots’ struggles continued on the defensive end as QO was able to execute their attack. QO was able to add two more goals to their total making the final score 4-1. “We need to work a lot harder playing as a team if we want to win our next games,” Matikyan said.
On Oct. 14 the Patriots played Springbrook at home for senior night. Wootton came in focused on getting the big win for this special night. The stands were filled and the team was ready to excite the fans. The Patriots pushed their offensive attack from the start of the game.
Shortly after the game began, senior forward Macy Fewell crept her way into the box and scored the first goal of the game. Not too long after, senior Miranda Wright followed that up with another goal herself, giving them the 2-0 lead early.
After stopping Springbrook’s attack, the Patriots pushed the ball up the sideline into scoring territory. Once again, Fewell found space and scores in the corner. After getting a quick steal on defense, junior Zara Chavoshi maneuvered around defenders and score from the edge of the box.
Following this goal Springbrook made substitutions to try to get something to spark. The switch didn’t help with senior Casey Schuler scoring right after. The Patriots went into halftime with a 5-0 lead.
Not long into the second half the Patriots kept their momentum with senior Sabrina Shah scoring. Springbrook had no answer for the Patriots’ offense. The Patriots added on two more goals from seniors Rebecca Yuan and Wright once again, giving them the dominating 8-0 win. “We played very good and it was special because it came on senior night,” Wright said.
This season has been filled with victories and tough losses. This team grew together and overcame tough game situations. The girls are led by former athletic director and now soccer coach, Chris Thompson. Under his command, the girls have stayed above .500 and are looking to remain that way in their final two games this year.
This team has been led by the seven seniors who have all had a year or more of varsity experience under their belt. Junior attackmen Zara Chavoshi said, “Our seniors this year have been great. They have helped all of us and have been great leader.”
The games against Rockville on Oct.17 and Whitman on Oct. 19 were too late to be included in this issue. Playoffs start today.
