In FC’s playoff game against the Firebaugh Eagles, both teams fought hard to trump the other but Firebaugh was able to pull ahead by one in the second half, which led to their 2-1 victory, Feb. 15.

The FC Eagles travelled to Firebaugh and adrenaline began to kick in as they warmed up. After the starter players were introduced and the national anthem played, each team took their positions on the field.

Within four minutes into the game, freshman Mackenzie Devereaux took the ball to the box where she scored high to the right side of the frame for the first goal of the game. About 15 minutes later, Firebaugh answered back by tying the game, 1-1, and putting the game at a close battle leading into the second half.

As the game went into the second, both teams were anxious to pull ahead of the other. For the majority of the second half, the ball was brought to both sides of the field, pressing on the defense and offense. In the last five minutes of the game, Firebaugh was able to put one more goal in, and kept the lead to finish with the win, 2-1.

Despite the loss, first year girls soccer coach Tony Martinez feels that the team had a memorable season.

“I felt that we had an excellent season,” Martinez said. “Our goal for the girls was to teach them the technical skill, sportsmanship and love for the game. With that the coaches knew the wins would come and sure enough they did. We showed everyone that with hard work and commitment we would be successful. The girls did that and the outcome…fourth place in league and a trip to the playoffs; something that has not been accomplished in a long time.”

Along with the team making it to playoffs, senior Brooke Stobbe shares her personal experience on the soccer team, and of the skills she learned while under the new coaching during her last year.

“I never would have guessed that I wouldn’t have gotten this far in soccer in high school,? Stobbe said. “I started out playing for fun and then I ended up actually loving it. I think the team and the coaching made it a memorable last year of soccer, and good times and skills that I can take to college and tells my kids about in the future.”

As a second year varsity player, Stobbe has seen the growth in the team from last year to this year, and acknowledges the potential she believes that the team holds for future years.

“I think the jump between last year and this year was amazing,” Stobbe said. “This year set the foundation of what is to come; the rough draft of Fresno Christian girls soccer in the next few years. There’s a lot of young talent on the team. If they stick with the same coach for the team, they will grow more and develop even more skills.”

According to Martinez, he saw immense growth in each player and enjoyed watching the girls bond throughout the season, through the love of the game.

“I saw a bunch of individual players come together, learn from each other, teach each other, and I saw leaders being born,” Martinez said. “Not necessarily the captains exclusively, but girls stepping up to lead the team in a particular game. What I truly enjoyed was watching the girls grow as a family from the beginning of the season, to the team bonding and finally to our last game, as was shown by the emotions after the game. In conclusion, I am thankful to have been part of this team as well as honored to have met so many nice young ladies who share a love for the game.”

For more information, read Eagles beat Tranquillity, advance to playoffs.

Editor’s note: While the video displays the girls soccer team making the playoffs for six years, the Eagles made the playoffs in 2008.