After going further into the playoffs than any other season, the Pierce College women’s soccer team have their minds set on state glory for the upcoming campaign.
Following the success this program has had so far, winning eight of their last ten Western State Conference Championships with an impressive 181-27-30 record, the goal amongst players and coaching staff is the same: to win the state championship.
Having won their sixth straight WSC tournament with a 21-1-2 record last season which earned them the first seed in the South Region and placed them third in the nation, the Brahmas are ready to go further.
“The expectation for the 2011/12 season is to obviously win league; this is my fourth year here, and my goal since I got here is to win a state championship,” said assistant coach Jose Mejia. “Last year, we went the furthest into the playoffs that the school has ever gone before which was the semifinal, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”
New and returning players feel that there is a need to give 100 percent on and off the field, according to second-year defender Briana Chopin.
“As a returning player, I’ve learned that there is no time for procrastination or intimidation on the field,” said Chopin. “We all have to play our hearts out and give it our all.”
Head coach Adolfo Perez is confident in their preparation for the upcoming season.
“We always try to do our best and work extremely hard for our goals,” he said. “We have to be as organized as always.”
According to Perez, one of the newcomers to look out for is freshman Edith Dominguez, who was captain of the Sylmar High School women’s soccer team and made the all-city team her last two seasons as well as first team all-league all four years.
“I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates and hopefully I can help them win games,” said Dominguez. “I think I can contribute with strength and vision on the field; I see myself as a positive player, so hopefully that helps the team.”
There are many players who are going to be missed from last season, according coach Perez, like first team all-conference player, Ani Eishoei, who will be attending Cal State Dominguez Hills in the fall.
However, none will be missed like the Western State Conference Player of the Year, team MVP and captain, Erica Vangsness, who broke the school record for goals in a season with 29 last year and plans to transfer to USC.
In addition to the new names and faces on the squad, the team can look forward to a new stadium too.
Next season, the women’s soccer team will be able to use the new stadium for practice and regular season games.
The field availability and which games are going to be played in the new stadium will be determined by the head coach, and it will be decided to the team’s convenience, according to assistant coach Mejia.
