by Nicholas Casarez | Sports Editor
The way girls’ soccer is playing right now has a lot of people reminiscing of a team two years ago that made it all the way to state semifinals. This team could be even better, with a solid group of seniors including the number two goalie in the country according to ESPN’s top 150 girls’ soccer recruits, being Morgan Stearns. That’s not all the team has though, considering their top two scorers will be returning next season with juniors Tiana Soulas and Nia Stallings. All of that aside, right now this Johnson soccer team is in top form and has themselves looking like potentially the best team in the state of Texas, but you couldn’t tell by talking to them.
“We really are taking this one game at a time because we still have the memory of that loss in the first round on our minds, and it reminded us that you have to earn everything,” senior Allie Gerner said.
The turnouts for the games have been huge and the fans are really into it.
“It’s awesome going to the games because the team is playing so well, and it’s exciting to get to cheer on all of my friends,” junior Albert Meza said.
Having the school behind them seems to be helping as the team is playing some of their best and haven’t allowed a goal all playoffs. This has been due in large part to the defenders who have been stout.
“We have a lot of chemistry, and it really helps on the back line to be able to talk and communicate,” senior Adriana Garcia said.
It’s not all defense though, a lot of it can be accounted to the midfielders and forwards who have been constantly aggressive and attacking notching thirteen goals in only three games. Their aggression has been a key factor in holding off opposing teams attempts on goal.
“We haven’t capitalized on as many chances as we would have liked, but the key is we’ve been relentless,” senior Madi Gordon said.
The Jags play Los Fresnos on Friday, a team who is ranked number two in the valley. The game will take place at 1pm at Blossom Friday the 12th, and to further the aforementioned school support of the team; Principal Mehlbrech is issuing passes that are allowing students to attend the game and have an excused absence. Not to mention students are allowed to sport their soccer tanks on Friday for the special occasion.
“I’m really pumped that we’re allowed to go, it’s gonna be awesome being able to be there for the team,” Meza said.
