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 overall 11-11-1 as of Feb. 20.

EAGLES LOSE SECOND PLAYOFF GAME AGAINST SIERRA PACIFIC, 1-0 OVER TIME

After the win against the Mendota Aztecs, the Eagles traveled to their second playoff in Hanford, CA, to play the Sierra Pacific Golden Bears, for the first time this season. After being forced to play a 100-minute game including overtime, the FC girls lost, 1-0.

Even though the wind and rain began to pick up, both teams competed against each other during the full 80 minutes and neither were able to place a goal. During the last ten minutes of overtime, the Golden Bears scored a goal, taking the win.

After joining the soccer team for the first time, senior Meredith Monke is satisfied with the outcome of the season, even though the team had a difficult time during the middle of the season.

“I think the season this year went really well,” Monke said. “Although it seemed like the team had a rough patch in the middle, we finished strong, coming back with a lot of wins and making it to playoffs. I felt really good about ending the season.”

With the odd turn in the weather, Monke still pushed through the game. Even as the team came out short a goal, Monke was still proud of her team and was content with how they played.

“The last game was really cool to be a part of because of all the rain, even though it was really hard and cold running against the wind,” Monke said. “All the wind made me get out of breath really easily. It was definitely a cool way to finish off the season; even though we lost I know the team played really hard and we did our best.”

Senior captain Maddie Yee,, contemplates the season and the past fours years also playing on the varsity girls soccer team. This being the last year Yee plays on the team, she is proud of the way the team improved throughout the season and how they finished off the year.

“It was definitely a weird feeling knowing that it was my last high school soccer game ever,” Yee said. “It was a pretty even game and even though we lost, I am proud to be a part of the team. We had a great season and even improved our record from last year. ”

Even as the weather began so get worse, the team continued to fight for a win according to Yee. After the season ended, Yee was appreciative of the team and their effort to get this far in league and play-offs.

“The weather was pretty bad at the end of the game, and I know the girls were tired, but I think overall we played pretty well,” Yee said. “I am very thankful for the opportunity we had to go to the semi-finals and I am proud of all the hard work these girls put in throughout the season.”

Finishing his second year coaching for the varsity girls soccer team, Coach Tony Martinez is thankful for the efforts the girls have placed in this sport and enjoyed seeing the progress the girls make throughout the season.

“Coaching this season was great,” Martinez said. “It was nice to get to know the girls and watch them grow in their skills. There was never a dull moment with the girls that’s for sure. I was honored to be a part of the girls lives this year.”

With over twenty girls to coach, Martinez brought on assistant coaches to help build the teams skill level and motivation in preparation for the season. With their help they were able to help the team win the games necessary for qualifying for play-offs.

“I appreciate the assistant coaches, Olivia Torres and Jose Jimenez for all their hard work and dedication they put into the team, making my job a lot easier,” Martinez said. “I thought we showed the girls teamwork and sportsmanship and how when both combined, it produces wins.”

With the teams rough games during the middle of the season, the coaches were anxious about whether or not the team would be able to come back. Not only did the team come back, but they finished with a better score than last years.

“I think the team finished better than anticipated this year,” Martinez said. “There was a five game losing streak that had the coaches worried that we were going to end the season worse than the last season, but the team turned it around. Although we lost our last playoff game in double overtime the girls gave it their all.”

Even as the lady eagles lost the second play-off game, the team did not give up without a fight according to coach Martinez. As the team had their own highs and lows, together they were able to exceed the expectations and because of that, the coaches are thankful to have been given the chance to coach the girls.

“The parents, coaches and everyone who watched the last game were impressed with the heart the team played with,” Martinez said. “I look forward to seeing what the next season will bring. The coaching staff are and will always be proud of the Fresno Christian High School Eagles girls varsity soccer team.”

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