Both girls’ junior varsity and varsity teams won against Monterey Trail in a soccer match up at Kennedy High School
The season for Kennedy started with a loss against West Campus High School two days earlier. However, the team was looking forward to bouncing back against Monterey Trail, who started off with a 3-2-3 record for varsity and 2-3-0 for JV.
Matchups in girls’ soccer with Monterey Trail is usually seen as a toss-up. Last year, the Kennedy Cougars won 4-0, but then tied in a tournament matchup.
Monterey Trail first started off with the ball for the JV game.
Kennedy’s defense put intense amounts of pressure onto Monterey Trail in the first half. They attempted to outpace Monterey Trail with their pressure, ending up with multiple near goals.
The Cougars tried again, incorporating the same pressure but this time offensively. This allowed Kennedy to score their first goal of the game.
The second half was a cake walk for JV, scoring 3 more goals against Monterey Trail. The biggest highlight of the half was Svetta Lor’s score which ended the half, bringing home a Kennedy victory 4-0.
Coach Rachel Riccobuano reflects back on her win, emphasizing her team’s success with intense pressure in the first half.
“Moving into this game, we figured some things out and I knew I wanted to set my team up to have a high press formation,” Riccobuano said. “It worked to our benefit. It paid off pretty well!”
Varsity’s game was more intense than JV’s, but nonetheless worked out in the end.
Possession fluctuated between Kennedy and Monterey Trail. With increased communication, varsity was able to make a huge play against Monterey Trail.
#19 Cali Newman was able to capitalize offensively with the goalie nowhere to be seen, putting up one goal for Kennedy.
About 5 minutes later, varsity was able to score another goal for their team. The half ended with Kennedy in the lead 2-0.
In the second half, Kennedy scored two more goals ending the game with a final score of 4-0 for varsity as well.
After a clean sweep, varsity prepares to play their next match against Rosemont. Meanwhile, JV travels to Natomas to play in a tournament game against Twelve Bridges and Rocklin.
