Entering the game, the Arcadia High School (AHS) Girls Varsity Soccer team had a nearly undefeated record in league with a streak of 8-1. In this match, the Apaches aspired to continue this streak in their match against Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) on Jan. 12. Similar to the Apaches, the Falcons also came into the match nearly undefeated in league, with a record of 7-1. This fierce competition led to a very eventful game, ending the game in a tie of 2-2.
When asked what the team’s strategy was going into the game, right back and junior Jill Harriman stated, “our team knew that CVHS would be one of our toughest opponents and that we would face off during the season. We knew that our intensity and aggression to score needed to be strong from the start. Therefore, our strategy was to take an attacking approach.”
The game began with the traditional coinflip, which AHS won. However, the Apaches forfeited the ball and gave it to CVHS, putting them on the defensive.
“[AHS] held our shape defensively to ensure that CVHS couldn’t play through us and break our defensive line down,” Harriman stated. During this half, a player from CVHS was able to score a goal, making the score 1-0.
Continuing the game more motivated than ever, the Apaches began inching towards the Falcon’s net and 30 minutes into the first half, they tied the score, 1-1.
After the break, the tension between the two teams was palpable, as both wanted to break the tie and score the winning goal for their team. With the ball beginning with AHS, they were on the move, swiftly avoiding many players from CVHS. After 25 minutes into the second half, AHS scored their second goal.
During the last minutes of the game, the Apaches began playing on the defensive to prevent the Falcons from scoring another goal. However, during the last ten minutes of the game, the Falcons scored another goal, ending the game in a tie.
When asked why the game ended in a tie, goalkeeper Ainsley Stephenson stated, “Because it was a league game, it could end in a tie. If it was a CIF playoff, the game would’ve gone into overtime.”
While the game may not have ended the way the Apaches would have liked, it still ended in a great way where neither team lost. Congratulations to the Apaches and good luck in the rest of the games of the season!
Photo courtesy of Arcadia DCI intern Stephanie Jing
