Soccer Advances to CIF State Playoffs

Westridge Varsity soccer made it farther than ever before this year having competed this past Friday, February 22, against Los Amigos in the CIF-SS Soccer Finals. The Tigers fought hard with a heartbreaking loss 1-4 in penalty kicks after a score of 0-0 with double overtime. Prior to the big game, the Tigers were on fire having crushed the #1 ranked team Cosa Mesa at home.

 

With two overtime periods, the game was long and hard. “I think the game had a really heartbreaking end. I felt that we outplayed Los Amigos, so to lose in PKs was probably the most painful way for it to end. We all worked incredibly hard. There were so many close chances for us, but unfortunately we just couldn’t score. However, I am so proud of every single person on the team,” described senior player Caroline R. after the tough loss.

 

After a lengthy and groundbreaking season, this game was bittersweet for many players. “Losing the game was, of course, disappointing and frustrating knowing how hard we worked to get here and how badly we wanted to win, but at the same I just couldn’t shake my pride in being a part of such an amazing team,” described Ava F.,’21, goalie for the Tigers.

 

“It was one of the most heartbreaking losses for me and I’ve never been so upset about the outcome of a game because each one of my teammates deserved that win.” said senior Summer G.,’19. Summer will be playing Division 1 soccer at University of Illinois next year.

 

Despite the painful loss, the Tigers remain determined and supportive of each other. “I have so much respect for my teammates and would never dream of a better team with better people. Even though we didn’t come out on top yesterday, I am confident in the fact that we all worked our hardest and I don’t think we are any less of a team for not winning.” continued Ava.

 

The team really modeled pride and team spirit having come this far together. “We are all good friends to one another on and off the field. The championship game was a display of some of the best soccer we have played as a team because we all wanted to win so badly for each other,” reflected Summer.  

 

The tigers will play at Diego Rivera Learning Complex in Los Angeles today February 26 at 4:00 p.m. in the CIF Division IV Southern California Regional Championships. They are more determined than ever before. “Our motivation and drive to win state playoffs is even more intense and I’m so excited,” finished Summer.