The girls varsity soccer team concluded its season on May 19 during the second round of districts with a final record of four wins, six losses and five ties.
“We played solidly throughout the season, but we had a little trouble coming out with results,” freshman Rowan Shartel said.
The season started out well for the team this year, winning their first two scrimmages, tying their opening game against Chantilly and then going on to win the next three games. However, for the rest of the regular season the team went back and forth between tying and losing to their opponents.
“We played very good this season even though statistics didn’t show it,” freshman Stephanie Allshouse said.
AHS went into districts playing one of the highest ranked teams, West Springfield, as an underdog in the tournament.
“West Springfield was the most exciting game because we beat the odds and defeated them,” said Shartel.
AHS and West Springfield ended the first half tied zero to zero, but pulled ahead during the second half when senior Stephanie Burns scored a goal off a corner kick, making the score one to zero.
“[West Springfield] was a tough game and we came out strong the first half and dominated. We were pumped for the second half and they came out strong, but so did we. It was a good match,” Allshouse said.
The team’s season then ended with a zero to two loss against Lee High School during the second round of districts.
However, it was still a successful year for the Atoms soccer program. The team improved as a whole, especially in terms of ball control and basic skills, which could help them win even more games next year.
“Next season, we should work on passing the ball to the open player more,” Allshouse said.
Another goal the team has for next season is to improve their record and continue to win games in districts and regionals. They also hope to become faster and stronger during the off-season in preparation for next year.
“I think we should work on playing to the highest level we can as a team, no matter who we are playing against,” Shartel said.
