By Nick Casarez | Sports Editor
photo by Gaby Corza
The Jags came in to their first district game with a 6-2-2 record that is not quite indicative of the team’s ability; because of the brutal competition they have faced. In the few weeks since the season began, the team has already played both the reigning state champs Plano West, and state runner up, Katy Seven Lakes, who account for each of their losses. Also on the resume, they have ties with Dripping Springs who’s established themselves on the girls’ soccer scene, and Deer Park who’s become a household name as well. So, heading into the first district game the Jags are already a seasoned team.
As soon as the game began, Johnson established their dominance spending much of the opening moments in Mac’s half of the field. Then finally, a well placed ball by Madelyn Carter to Nia Stallings sent the ball back in front of the net to be knocked in off of the foot of Caitlin Schwartz. Mac answered with a goal, but the Jags weren’t phased. Tiana Soulas used a couple of moves to get past the Mac defenders, and made the best of her one-on-one with the keeper by putting a tactically placed shot in the net. At halftime, the score was 2-1 Johnson, and the Jags had all of the momentum.
The second half began with the Jags in a much more defensive mindset, looking to preserve their 2-1 lead. However when the opportunity to score presented itself, they did not shy away as Madelyn Carter assisted Nia Stalling as she snuck one past the keeper. After that it was all defense by Johnson as they succeeded in fending off Macarthur’s desperate assault on goal.
The final score was 3-1 Jags, and this win was huge considering Mac is one of the biggest district opponents, besides Reagan. They also managed it all without their starting keeper Morgan Stearns, who has only played in one game (against Plano West) so far due to duties elsewhere. As a result backup Madison Ersch has gotten a lot of solid minutes and even against big opponents like Seven Lakes.
With that in mind, the Jags have a lot of potential heading into what will be a difficult district schedule and playoffs after that.
