By SHIVAM SUDAME
Staff Writer
Girls Varsity Soccer defeated Redondo Union 3-1 in the first round of the CIF Division II playoffs. Despite being nationally ranked 254 spots worse than Redondo Union, the Trojans rattled the Seahawks with three straight goals and knocked them out of title contention.
A tough first half ended with the Trojans down 1-0 to a superior team that was considered the favorite to win. The Seahawks were averaging close to a plus three-goal margin per game, compared to the Trojans goal difference per game being less than one.
However, the halftime break provided a much-needed respite and allowed the team to regroup. A different team emerged from the break, as forward Leyna Wood (Jr.) scored a brace and right-back Raeann Artim (Sr.) moved to left forward and tacked on another, and the game ended with that scoreline.
Overcoming nerves seemed to be the biggest challenge. Goalkeeper Janette Oh (Jr.) said, “We were all really excited for our first [CIF] game and were willing to put everything on the field. At first it was [nerve-wracking] because we were down 1-0 in the first half, but after making some adjustments in the second half we scored three goals and clutched the win.”
This was the Trojan’s second consecutive CIF berth. Last year’s season ended with a disappointing first round exit, losing 6-2 to Vista Murrieta. The team looks ahead now to their next fixture, a redemption game against Pacifica on Tuesday, February 21 after losing to them 0-3 in their previous matchup.
