The Cypress High girls soccer team opened Empire League play with two wins, topping Tustin and Western High with consecutive shutouts. The Centurions had a second-half goal from Tatum Gee to get past Tustin, 1-0, at Tustin High. On Friday, the Centurions travelled to Western High and shutout the Pioneers, 4-0, to improve to 2-0 in Empire League play. Against Western, Cypress had two goals from Jenna Dages and one each from Chloe Gallegos and Rachel McClure. The Centurions improved to 8-5-4 overall. Cypress coach Nicole Woiemberghe said they played a tough pre-league schedule to help prepare for league play, but that didn’t help them with the emotional urgency that is often needed when it comes time for league rivalry play. The Centurions won the league title last year with a 10-0 record, so they expect that league foes will be ramping up their efforts in order to try and prevent a repeat title for the centurions. “We kind of have that target on our back,” Woiemberghe said. However, if the Centurions can match the intensity of opponents, they certainly have the ability to make a run at another title. Their back line is anchored by seniors Madison Nelson and Madison Tanos. Up front, the Centurions have a ton of speed on the attack. Leading the front line, are Dages, Gallegos and Gee. The Centurions are solid from front to back and with many returning players, they have continuity and they play well together. “Overall, we have a very talented group,” Woiemberghe said. The Centurions have some quality games under their belt so far this season and they are the No. 4 ranked team in the most recent CIF-SS Division 3 poll. Earlier this season, the played Mater Dei, the No. 5 team in the Division I poll, to a 2-2 tie. They also have wins over good teams such as Foothill and Canyon of Anaheim. The Centurions were at Pacifica on Tuesday (past our deadline) and will host Valencia on Thursday (Jan. 22) at 3 p.m. They will play at rival Kennedy on Jan. 26, at 3 p.m. Pacifica finished second in league last year, with Valencia third and Kennedy fourth.
