Danna Ramirez

In a home game against King City on November 29, senior Isabella Sanchez faces a defender one-on-one, searching for that open pass. “It [was] really nerve-racking, that’s where a lot of people miss their shots because you know you have to make a move,” she said. The Trojans beat the Mustangs 1-0.

2022-2023 was a good, but tough year for the girls’ soccer team. They placed 3rd in the Gabilan Division, finishing 6-11-4 overall. The team made CCS, but they lost 3-2 to Soledad. They lost six seniors to graduation, but a strong core has returned with the addition of nine new players. “We’re definitely a young team,” Coach Carissa Purnell said, “so that gives us years to grow.” 

Returning players are seniors Aileen Cardenas, Isabella Sanchez, Elizabeth Ortega, Jazmine Ramirez, Izabelle Ramirez, and Isabella Salazar; junior Massiel Hernandez; and sophomores Alexa Perez, Miah Ramos, Rosa Perez, Stephanie Zarate, Alena Ruiz, and Jasmine Vargas. 

The new additions to the team are sophomores Giselle Garcia, Rebecca Jimenez, and Daniela Bobadilla; and freshmen Alicia Ortiz, Marbella Birruete, Camila Avalos, Heidi Pinon, Grecia Perez, and Yaretzi Cornelio. 

With new talent, the girls’ soccer team is ready to have a better season this year. “I [hope] to finish better than we did last year,” Purnell said. “I know that we’re still growing as a program but I would like to make CCS again.” Although the team showed they have what it takes to compete in the top division, they’re working hard to make the offensive lineup as strong as the defensive lineup. “While we keep goals out of the back of the net, we’re looking for someone that can put goals away,” Purnell said. 

So far, sophomore Stephanie Zarate who finished 3rd in the league in terms of goal-scoring last year has scored two goals this season. Purnell would like to find another striker who can help Zarate up top. 

Through three games the team is 2-1, with victories over Christopher and King City. Senior captain Aileen Cardenas who’s been playing soccer for twelve years is very proud of her team so far. “Every season is different, you get a new set of family members added to the team,” she said. “This year, we got a lot of freshmen and I like their dedication.” 

With a promising start to the season, maintaining a positive attitude throughout the rest of the season is very important. Zarate believes if the team continues to play well, they’ll succeed, “Communication is key and the effort from every player,” she said. 

Last year, the team was put up against some great contenders, and they’re just as strong as before. Purnell is most excited about competing against Salinas High, “Salinas High has always been our rival but it’s good competition,” she said. Purnell believes it’ll take a lot of determination and hard work to succeed against the other teams in the league. “We’re going to play some teams this year that we lost to pretty badly last year and that’s a good thing right? We know what we did wrong in our losses, so it’s a chance to build and repair all of them,” Purnell said. 

Purnell plans to use preseason as a time to build the skills of the players to be ready for the challenges that the league will bring. Despite areas for improvement, she’s very confident that the team will reach CCS and she hopes for a league title. “In the eight years I’ve been coaching, we’ve never not made CCS,” Purnell said. 

Through four games the team is 2-2. They play their final preseason game against Gilroy on January 2nd and league play starts on January 5th against Rancho San Juan.

Correction: Rebecca Jimenez was listed as a freshman and she is a sophomore. We have made the correction and apologize for the error.