On Thursday, Dec. 9, the Archie Williams girls varsity soccer team (0-2) played Pinole Valley High School (1-0) in a non-league game at the Archie Williams football field. Although the game was close with aggressive playing and excellent defending from both teams, the Falcons walked away with a 1-0 win against the Spartans, achieving their first win of the season.
Entering the game, Archie Williams was ranked 22nd in the North Coast Section (NCS) Division 3, having lost its first two games against Marin Academy and Alhambra High School. On the other side, Pinole Valley was ranked fourth in NCS D3 after their first win against Albany High School.
Both teams started the game strong, immediately showing their aggression and determination to win. The two sides created chances minute by minute, with few calls from the referees in the beginning. The Archie Williams defense did an exceptional job building from the back and creating scoring opportunities throughout the defense, midfield, and forwards.
Archie Williams defender, junior Alexandra Berry, reflects on how the team’s work at practice has been translating into their most recent games.
“Our season has started pretty well… We’ve just been really working on different aspects of the game, especially building out from the back and connecting through balls… We’ve had some really great practices that we have tried to apply to games,” Alexandra said.
Archie Williams senior goalie Gigi Richer had to sit out this game because of a newly diagnosed concussion. In her place, junior Ila Hammon stepped up and played keeper for the Falcons. Ila had numerous saves throughout the game and kept the Spartans scoreless for the entire game.
The second half remained a close game, as both teams were in front of the goal numerous times. The Spartans kept on stealing the ball and denying passes from the Falcons, and used it to take shots on goal and put pressure on the defense. The first 15 minutes were tough with interchanging possession and breakaways from both teams; their defenses were really put to the test.
Archie Williams sophomore winger Anya Penwarden, addresses the challenges that the Falcons were facing against the Spartans.
“I think they were doing really well at denying our passes and being aggressive and physical, but that didn’t stop us,” Anya said.
After a long defensive fight between the two teams, the Falcons had possession and passed it down the field. With an assist, freshman forward Riley Wilhelm passed the ball down the field to Anya, who ended up scoring the only goal in the game and her first goal of the season.
“[Riley] sent a really nice through ball to Anya, and Anya was able to score. She also was just like occupying the defenders and helping her teammates with passing. She just made great plays, and lots of great connections,” Alexandra said.
Head coach Rey Nagaoka believes that their last few tough match-ups have prepared the team for future games.
“The girls played really well, and it was kind of a culmination of the last two games that we played, turning into the result on the field… [there was] really great competitive energy, and then at the same time, there’s quality on the ball as well. So that was really exciting,” Nagaoka said.
With this win, the Falcons roll into their next game Dec. 11, against University High School at the Archie Williams football field.
