SEASON END

CARUTHERS BEAT EAGLES IN FINAL GAME–Feb. 11
To honor the senior soccer players, the stands contained balloons, signs and cheering fans for the final game of the season. For the third time this year, FC took on the Caruthers Blue Raiders at home on senior night. Despite the Eagles efforts, Caruthers beat FC, 3-0, Feb. 11.

Despite their losses, senior captain Jenna Yee said this year was the best she has ever had.

“Our team this year was the best compared to all of my years,” Yee said. “We had unity and all of the girls got along and I felt that we really bonded, so it doesn’t matter that we didn’t win any games because I think it’s the team that makes it fun.”

Although the Eagles did not have a win record, according to junior Julianne King the team improved through the coaching staff.

“Jennifer and Michelle are probably the best coaches because they pushed us and I’ve never had a coach like that before,” King said. “At the beginning of the season it was kind of bumpy because people hadn’t played, but by the end it was really good. Even though we hadn’t won any games our passing, communication and overall playing was much better. I think we finished off the season pretty well and it was a fun game.”

Even though Caruthers is one of the toughest teams in league, according to Yee the team played their hardest.

“It was discouraging when I found out that we were playing them [Caruthers] for our last game,” Yee said. “But I think we all went out there and tried our hardest so it was really good.”

The Eagles finished the season with an overall record 0-16-2, Feb. 11.

TIGERS COMEBACK WIN OVER EAGLES–Feb. 8
After previously playing with ten players, the Eagles came out to compete against the Tranquillity Tigers with one substitute in a non-league match. FC initially lead the game in the first half, but ended up losing, 6-3, Feb. 8.

For the first time this season, junior Brooke Stobbe joined the Varsity soccer team after previously involved in cheerleading in years past. Stobbe opened the game knocking in the Eagles first goal of the match.

“I was a little confused at first because I had never chipped a ball up before and since the goalie didn’t save it, I assumed something had happened because I missed the whistle,” Stobbe said. “But then Mikayla [Messer ’14] started screaming and I saw the ball in the net. I just turned around and started screaming and jumping on my teamates who were running over cheering and yelling. I’m just really proud of myself because I’ve wanted a goal all year, but whenever I tried, my skill just wasn’t there.”

Along with her teammate, sophomore Maddie Yee also chipped in two goals in the first half giving FC the edge over Tranquillity, 3-1.

“It felt really nice to score two goals during our game because I hadn’t scored any goals this season,” Yee said. “As a midfielder, I’m usually the one who sets up goals for the forwards so it was rewarding to score. When I scored my second goal off of my head, I was really surprised it went in. It really stinks that we didn’t win because our season is coming to an end, but the girls did really well the first half and pushed really hard to get the ball.”

Although FC was leading in the first half, Tranquillity score five goals in the last half, resulting in an Eagle defeat, 6-3. Despite the loss, Stobbe said she is excited for the next game to demonstrate her skills as a soccer player.

“My adrenalin’s pumping for Friday’s game because I, of course, wanna score again and show everyone on home turf that this cheerleader can score a goal or two in an official sport setting,” Stobbe said.

The Eagles will next play their last home against Caruthers, Feb. 11.

FC FALLS TO RIVERDALE–Feb. 4
Once again due to to injuries and illness, the Eagles played against the Riverdale Cowgirls with ten players. FC held the Cowgirls for fifteen minutes before Riverdale scored the first goal. The Eagles ending up losing the game, 5-0, Feb. 4.

The Eagles will next play against Tranquillity for a non-league match, Feb. 8.

EAGLES, PARLIER, 1-1 TIE–Feb. 1
Despite facing tough loses in the past few games, the Eagles came ready to play against the Parlier Panthers, Feb. 1. Although the Panthers scored first, the Eagles were able to manage the game responding with a goal and tying the game, 1-1.

After a steal, sophomore Maddie Yee dribbled the ball up the line and cross passed to fellow teammate, Mikayla Messer ’14, who scored the goal off of her left foot.

“When I scored, I thought I was going to swing and miss because I had to shoot with my left foot,” Messer said. “But my foot just got under the ball and it went into the top right corner and I was like ‘no way I can’t believe that just went in!'”

The Eagles went into a 20 minute overtime, but either team failed to score resulting in a game ending tie, 1-1. Although the Eagles did not win the match, according to Messer she is proud of her team’s effort.

“I think this game is the best game our team has played,” Messer said. “We played like a real team with our passing and the skills we used together. I felt really good after. To me the score didn’t matter, it was just how we played.”

Even though the outcome was a tie, co-head coach Jennifer Rose said she was proud of her team.

“The team played really well, I’m very proud of how they played; they really stepped it up this game,” Rose, said. “It sucks that we couldn’t win because the girls sure deserved it, but we have a few more games left that we can win. I also am really excited that we scored, it was a good assist and finish. I’m proud of all our girls.”

The Eagles will next play at home against Riverdale, Feb. 4.

EAGLES PLAY FOWLER WITH SQUAD OF TEN–Jan. 28
Due to injuries and sickness, the Eagles played the Fowler Redcats with only ten players instead of the typical eleven. Within the first half, the Redcats scored three goals and two more in the second, resulting in an Eagle loss, 5-0, Jan. 28.

The Eagles will next play away against Parlier, Feb. 1.

CARUTHERS DOMINATE EAGLES–Jan. 24
Due to Caruthers’ lack of transportation, the Eagles and the Blue Raiders’ match was moved to be played in Caruthers. Even though the Eagles encountered the Raiders previously this season, there was no mercy as Caruthers dominated the entire game, resulting in an Eagle loss, 9-0, Jan. 24.

Within the first five minutes of the game Caruthers knocked in 3 points and scored a total of 6 in the first half alone. Despite the rapid scoring of the first half, the Eagles held Caruthers to only 3 goals in the last half.

The Eagles will next play away against Fowler, Jan. 28.

TRANQUILLITY BEATS EAGLES IN NON-LEAGUE MATCH–Jan. 20
In a non- league match up, the Tranquillity Tigers came to Eagle field ready to play and displayed their competitiveness by scoring twice in the first half. Although Tranquillity knocked in two goals, the Eagles held them to one goal in the second half; ultimately losing the game, 3-0, Jan. 20.

The Eagles will next play at home against Caruthers, Jan. 24.

RIVERDALE SHUT OUT FC–Jan. 18
In the first away game of the season, the Eagles traveled to play the Riverdale Cowgirls and lost, 5-0, Jan. 18. Although the Cowgirls immediately scored on the Eagles, FC displayed the skills they have learned in practice, according to co-head coach Michelle Rose.

“They have improved as a team with their mistakes and are playing much better,” Rose said. “Their success [such as] good passes, decision making, and drawing players off sides has come from the improvement of fundamental soccer skills. They are applying what we teach [in practice].”

Similar to her coach, freshman goalie Annalise Rosik, has also notice the teams’ development, despite the lack of communication on the soccer field.

“We began using everything we’ve learned in practice in a real game situation,” Rosik said. “We had a bit better passing but miscommunication caused the defense to have a few slip ups that could have been prevented.”

The Eagles will next play at home against Tranquillity for a non-league game, Jan. 20.

PARLIER OUT SCORES EAGLES–Jan. 14
After losing the season opener, the Eagles suffered another loss against the Parlier Panthers, 2-0, Jan. 14.

Although FC attempted to restrict the Panthers from scoring, according to co-head coach Michelle Rose, Parlier out-worked the Eagles.

“It was a tough loss because we got out hustled in everything,” Rose said. “But we must keep working hard and pushing forward.”

The Eagles will next play at Riverdale, Jan. 18.

EAGLES BEGIN LEAGUE WITH HOME GAME AGAINST FOWLER–Jan. 10
The Eagles opened the first game of the West Sequoia League against the Fowler Redcats at home, but ended up suffering a 4-0 loss, Jan. 10.

To start the match, FC immediately came out and held the Redcats to a score of 0-0 until the last few minutes of the first half, when Fowler knocked in their first point. Moments later, the Redcats scored two more goals back to back, 3-0.

Although the damage was done, FC held the Redcats at 4-0 to the end of play. Sophomore captain Ashley Erickson says the team needed to be more aggressive throughout the game.

“I was pretty disappointed with the loss,” Erickson said, “but we put up a good fight and did better in the second half than the first. We also had difficulty because this team was very aggressive. Also, we can get the ball, but we can’t keep the ball, so we just need to be overall more aggressive.”
Despite Erickson’s disappointment, co-head coach Michelle Rose thought the team did well for the first league game and has shown improvement since the beginning of the year.

“The girls did okay in their first league game and they kept out a lot of corners to keep the score relatively low,” Rose said. “There was much improvement in the second half as we only let one goal in. Surprisingly the girls held their own and show promise for a successful year.”

The Eagles will next play at home against Parlier at 3 p.m., Jan. 14.

MINARETS GAME CANCELED–Jan. 6
The Eagles and Minarets game was canceled due to miscommunication between both schools.

The Eagles will next play home against Fowler at 3 p.m. Jan. 10.

SOCCER GAME CANCELED DUE TO FLOODING–Jan. 4
Due to recent rain, the Eagles soccer field is flooded causing the game against Dos Palos to be canceled.

The Eagles will next play away against Minarets at 4 p.m., Jan. 6.

21st ANNUAL GARCES HOLIDAY SOCCER FESTIVAL–Dec. 17-18
RF KENNEDY TOPS EAGLES IN TOURNAMENT CLOSER–Dec. 18
In the third and final game of the 21st Annual 2010 Garces Holiday Soccer Festival in Bakersfield, Dec. 17-18., the Eagles lost to the RF Kennedy Thunderbirds of Delano, 2-1, Dec. 18.

During the game, freshman Tynin Fries was injured and was taken to the hospital to examine her knee. Fries will be out for the next few weeks with a sprained knee, tibular strain and a torn ligament.

Due to Fries’ injury, freshman goalie Annalise Rosik played the field while sophomore Maddie Yee took over as goalie.

“Playing goalie for the first time was definitely scary because you’re the last person on the team who either prevents or allow the opposing team from scoring,” Yee said. “Once I started playing in the second half I was excited to play goalie and just wanted to have fun since it was our last game of the Garces Tournament. It was a good experience and now I can truly say I appreciate Annalise for being our team goalie.”

FC finished the Garces Holiday Soccer Festival with a 0-3 record in the Bronze Division. The Eagles will next play Dos Palos at home, Jan. 4.

DESERT SHUTS OUT EAGLES–Dec. 18
After playing a close game the previous night against Garces, the Eagles lost to Desert Scorpions from Edwards, CA, 3-0, Dec. 18.

Although the Eagles did not win, according to co-head coach Jennifer Rose each game is a learning experience.

“With every game we are improving,” Rose said. “We started every game well but couldn’t finish. Opportunities were given to us we just now have to capitalize on them.”

Most of the game was played in a downpour as nearly 2 inches of rain fell in Bakersfield. The Eagles only chance to score was early in the second half when freshman Mikayla Messer made a run down the right side of the pitch and bent a 20-yard blast that just missed the top left post.

The Eagles will next play in the Garces Holiday Soccer Festival against RL Kennedy (Delano, CA), Dec. 18.

GARCES DOWNS EAGLES IN GARCES TOURNAMENT OPENER–Dec. 17
The Eagles came out ready for competition against the Garces Rams’ JV team during the first game of the Garces Tournament. FC battled for the first goal, but ended up loosing to the Rams, 2-1, Dec. 17.

During the first ten minutes of the first half, the Eagles executed their offense leading to a goal by freshman Tynin Fries. This goal was Fries’ first goal of the season.

“I think we played good today,” Fries said. “The first ten minutes [of the game] we had an amazing team connection. We were talking and passing in triangles; it was a good feeling. This was my first goal of the season and it was perfect, I was in the right place at the right time. I am really looking forward to the other games this weekend because now we know how well we can do.”

According to co-head coach Michelle Rose, the Eagles played hard through out the game and almost pulled out a win.

“Today was a rough day because the win was so close,” Rose said. “Everyone played hard and I was impressed with their movement. The girls got pretty beat up and played a really aggressive team. It’s time to rest up, have a fun night and play hard tomorrow.”

This year’s total teams is a new record: 176 teams divided into 5 boys and girls divisions from 5 different CIF Sections.

The Eagles will next play at the Garces Holiday Soccer Festival, Dec. 18. Schedule unknown as of Dec. 17.

FOWLER TOURNAMENT, Dec. 1-2
MENDOTA BEATS FC, FINISH TOURNAMENT 0-3-1–Dec. 2.
After suffering a, 7-0, loss to Liberty, the Eagles fell short once again to the Mendota Aztecs this season as they preciously lost, 3-1, Nov. 29. During the entire first half the Eagles held the Aztecs to a scoreless game, 0-0, but in the last few minutes of the half Mendota knocked one in to make it, 1-0. The Aztecs continued on to defeat the Eagles, 4-0, Dec. 2.

Co-head coach Michelle Rose says her team fought hard during the final game of the Fowler Tournament.

“Our second game we started out great,” Rose said. “We played energized and begun to have chemistry on the field. Today they played great soccer. Although in the second half we struggled we continued to push.”

The Eagles will next play at the Garces Holiday Soccer Festival in Bakersfield, Dec 17. Schedule unknown as of Dec. 5.

FC FALLS TO LIBERTY–Dec. 2
The Liberty Hawks came out and scored immediately within the first minute of the Eagles third game in the Fowler Tournament. It all went down hill for FC as they were never able to recover from the rapid scoring, and by the end of play, losing, 7-0, Dec. 2.

Also, senior captain Cassidy Hutchins, was cleated in the foot, and taken to the ER with several torn ligaments in her right ankle. Unfortunately, Hutchins is out for the majority of the season until her ankle heals.

The Eagles next play in the Fowler Tournament against Mendota, Dec. 2.

CARUTHERS SHUTS OUT EAGLES, 6-0–Dec. 1
Despite previously tying the Cowgirls, 2-2, FC lost to the Caruthers Blue Raiders, 6-0, Dec. 1.

Although the Eagles played with heart in the match against Riverdale, co-head coach Michelle Rose says they came out sluggish and without enthusiasm. Despite this they walked into the second half more aggressive.

?Today was a long day and a great learning experience for the girls,? Rose said. ?We showed a tremendous amount of heart in the second half against Caruthers and played like a team. Annalise [Rosik, ’14,] did an amazing job and came up with big saves; I am very proud of her performance today.?

Also, senior Kory Thompson was injured in the knee after battling for the soccer ball. Thompson is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL and possibly meniscus.

The Eagles will next play in the Fowler Tournament against Liberty and then Mendota, Dec. 2.

FC, RIVERDALE, PLAY TO A 2-2 DRAW–Dec. 1
Within the first ten minutes of the game, freshman Mickayla Messer scored from the inside of the 18-yard box against the Riverdale Cowboys. The Eagles and Cowboys dueled to a 2-2 draw at the Fowler Tournament, Dec. 1, with senior Cassidy Hutchins scoring in the final minute.

Although Messer scored the first goal of the game, co-head coach Jennifer Rose says the entire team worked together, playing remarkable offense and defense. She also says her team made significant improvements from their first game.

?I am very proud of the girls this game,? said Rose. ?They started out pretty flat, but they got it together and put us on the board first to give us the lead. I am very excited to see where this season is going because with everyday that goes by we are improving.?

The Eagles will next play in the Fowler Tournament against Caruthers, Dec. 1.

AZTECS OVERPOWER EAGLES, FIRST GAME–Nov. 29
To open up the Eagles season, they hosted the Mendota Aztecs, but the Aztecs struck first and ended up finishing the game with a win over FC, 3-1, Nov. 29.

Even though Mikayla Messer, ’14, scored the only goal, the Lady Eagles stepped up and played as a team throughout the game according to sophomore Jessica Healey.

“I think we played okay,” Healy said. “We didn’t play the best we could of, but for the first game we did really well even though we lost. The whole team encouraged each other and it’s nice because everyone is so eager to get out there and play.”

Although Healy felt the team did well on encouraging, co-head coach and alumni Jennifer Rose, ’08, felt the team needs improvement, but is heading in the right direction.

“We still have a lot to work on, but they are better then last year,” Rose said. “We need work in general. Michelle [Rose] and I want to give them direction and teach them how to play; instead of just throwing them out there. We want to train them and show them what they can do, so they can preform well.”

Rose says that before the first goal was scored, she was discouraged in her teams lack of confidence.

“I was really frustrated and told them they needed to make a goal,” Rose said. “Mikayla [Messer} made the goal, but at one point we had to refocus her and she did and scored. I feel like we will win a lot more than they did last year though.”

The Eagles will next play in the Fowler Tournament at Caruthers against Riverdale, Dec. 1.

For more information, check out the Girls’ soccer sport shorts, 2009-10.