For the first West Sequoia League game, the Eagles played on the north field against the Parlier Panthers, Jan. 9. After a three week Christmas break, the Eagles lost to the Panthers, 8-1.

Unable to stop Parlier’s offensive strikers, they were soon overwhelmed with shots on goal. In addition to the Panthers’ offensive attacks, the Eagles had to play without freshmen goalkeeper Bailey Brogan.

In the beginning of the game, FC led an attack with the the determination of senior JP Caprioglio and freshmen Caleb Goodale, who was able to dribble into the net.

Head coach Matt Markarian is appreciative of the boys’ hard work on the field and is hopeful for the team to learn new positions on account of injuries.

“I?m glad that they tried their best and played hard,” Markarian said. “It’s tough with people hurt and players out of town. We have to learn new positions that we normally wouldn?t play, with four or five guys moving positions on the field, it creates a domino effect damaging the whole team.?

With his first score this season, sophomore home schooler Caleb Goodale scored the only goal of the game and in league this year.

“It felt great to get my first score this season,” Goodale said. “Just listening to what coach said about staying composed and fighting for the ball. I?m glad that I joined the team; I felt that we tried our best to pressure the ball and run our hearts out.”

As third string goalie, senior Nate Bender changed from the offensive forward position to the defensive work of goalie.

“It was a lot of fun,” Bender said. “It?s a pretty underrated position. I took it lightly but soon learned my mistake. I learned since taking over David Taylor’s position at midfield on previous occasions, that it?s a lot harder than it seems and was taught again this week not to take advantage of another position on the field. But it?s a team effort and we all stepped in for each other?s mistakes and injuries.”

For more sport shorts, read the Dec. 18 article, Girls’ soccer sport shorts: Garces Holiday Soccer Festival, 2012.