GIRLS’ SOCCER SPORT SHORTS, 2012-13–
(Scrimmages do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for girls’ soccer features). For a simple overview of scores and upcoming games, check the Winter sport box scores, 2012-13, for dates, opponents and times for all Eagle sports.

Be sure to visit the 2012-13 girls’ soccer schedule, home page, or check out Maxpreps.com. FC finished 5-5 in the West Sequoia League and 10-10-1 overall, Feb. 8. The Eagles will next travel to Hanford to play in the semi-final playoffs against the Sierra Pacific Golden Bears.

EAGLES WIN FIRST GAME OF PLAYOFFS
After finishing 5-5 in the West Sequoia League (WSL), the Eagles traveled to face the Mendota Aztecs in the first round of playoffs, Feb. 14. While both teams came out with the will to win the game, FC flew past the Aztecs, defeating them 3-0.

Within the first five minutes of the game, sophomore Gabriela Siqueiros ran up the field on a breakaway, storming past the Aztecs’ defense, and scoring FC’s first goal of the game. Following the first goal, the Eagles continued to press hard, which led to junior Mikayla Messer’s goal, giving FC a 2-0 lead over Mendota.

According to junior co-captain Tynin Fries, she believes the team came out prepared to win, and did well in applying what they learned in practice to the game. Along with coming out strong, Fries says that the team played with more unison, allowing them to move the game along with more ease.

“I thought we played a really great game,” Fries said. “We came out ready to win and we did. Everyone had a good game and we really implemented what we learned at practice. I felt like the team really clicked on the field and we moved the ball really well,” Fries said. “It was a good start to playoffs and our momentum is going to take us far.”

The Eagles finished the first half of the game ahead of the Aztecs, 2-0, and proceeded to top Mendota with senior Meredith Monke’s goal off a foul kick against Mendota. The Aztecs were unable to put any goals in the net, therefore leaving FC with the 3-0 victory.

Due to winning the first game of playoffs, head coach Tony Martinez hopes that the team will continue to utilize their passing skills in games and anticipates that the team will do well in their next game.

“I thought the game went better than anticipated,” Martinez said. “We worked on some new things in practice this week and the girls went out and executed it great. I hope the girls continue to play at the level they are at now; we should do very well.”

The Lady Eagles will next travel to Hanford to face the Sierra Pacific Golden Bears in the second round of playoffs, starting at 3 p.m., Feb. 19.

For more sport shorts, read the Feb. 12 article, Girls’ soccer sport shorts: Riverdale.