The Los Alamitos High girls soccer team opened up the regular season this week with optimism for a strong season.
The Los Alamitos High girls soccer team opened up the regular season this week with optimism for a strong season.
The Griffins were able to produce some positive momentum heading into the year with a 2-1 win over Lakewood in a scrimmage game last Tuesday. Allie Emmons scored the first goal and Carlie Eastwood later gave the Griffins a 2-1 lead with a penalty kick in the 52nd minute.
Lakewood scored their goal on a penalty kick, after a foul in the goal box, but otherwise the Griffin defense kept the Lancers’ attack limited to just a few solid shots. That defensive effort is what head coach Steve Soler hopes his team can build upon as the season progresses.
“Offensively, we have to be a little more creative, we have to have that hunger on scoring goals,” Soler said.
Early in the game, the Griffins ran a give and go pass play to set up Phoebe Conrad for a solid shot, but it was deflected off line by a defender. A few minutes later, the Griffins were able to score the first goal, when Emmons directed a rebound back at the goal that just crossed over the goal line.
The Griffins kept the pressure on and about three minutes later, nearly added a second goal. Emmons got free down the sideline and sent a crossing pass over the middle. The pass just missed connecting with Raya Young on a shot in front of the goal.
The Griffins graduated several seniors last year and Young could wind up being the only senior starter on this year’s team. The young Griffins will need to gel quickly to overcome any lack of experience.
“We’re still trying to establish our identity, which is nice, but the chemistry is fantastic, so we’re going to build on that,” Soler said.
Freshman Maureen Kennedy could be a player to watch as the Griffins move into the season. While the Griffins might not a have a standout superstar, Soler said they expect to have solid players across the lineup. He said they will use their defensive talent and build from the back line to the front.
