Despite a fantastic start to the season, Los Gatos High School girls soccer coach Lisa Mitchell eagerly awaited her team’s Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division opener against Los Altos on Jan. 4.
“I think tomorrow will be a true test of where we are going into the season,” Mitchell said a day before the league opener. “I’m definitely looking forward to it. The girls have to make sure they come out strong and do what they do best.”
The Wildcats did just that, coming away with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Entering the match, Max Preps ranked Los Gatos No. 2 and Los Altos No. 3 in the Central Coast Section. If the result proves to be a harbinger, the Wildcats (5-1-2 overall, 1-0-0 league) are in for a special season.
The talent-laden squad excels technically, combining pinpoint passing, a deft first-touch and the ability to finish. They’re equally strong tactically, consistently putting themselves in the right seams on the field and communicating well.
Tying all those things together is the team’s cohesiveness, on and off the field.
“One thing that stands out about this group is the bond they have with one another,” Mitchell said. “Right from the get go, I noticed they have each other’s back and are willing to go out there and work for one another. If one of the girls makes a mistake, another is right there to pick them up. So the connection and the bond between the girls is one that is pretty special. They know what the other will do on the field without saying it.”
Los Gatos has scored 43 goals in eight matches, a testament to its offensive firepower. In a 10-0 win over Scotts Valley on Dec. 15, seven different players scored. Three days later, five different players scored in a 7-0 victory over Sequoia.
Forwards Ale Munneke, Maci Schwab and Isabella Cain have been potent on the attack, putting opposing teams on the defensive throughout. Juniors Darcy Armstrong and Abby Nelson are premier returners who play strong on the ball and make sound decisions.
Avery Edson, Teagan Kaefer and Noe Wedemeyer have been strong on the backline. The Wildcats have been buoyed by a talented trio of freshmen including Mariana Nanez and twins Caroline and Elizabeth Leitch. They also have a dynamic 1-2 combo at goalkeeper, where Cora Bryant returns after a tremendous season last year.
Fellow senior Sam Gruetter also gives the team confidence when she’s in goal. Mitchell loves the versatility of her roster, which includes Emma Jackson, Piper Hansen, Madison Harrington, Reese Mordaunt, GiGi Gonzalez, Leighton Ozawa and Jordan Park.
“The beauty of our team is their connection and talent which allows us to do a few different lineups,” Mitchell said. “We’re able to play girls at different positions and mix and match on different types of play as far as formations. We have quite a few different options we can play around with and hopefully with league starting we can find a system and formation and start strong.”
Mitchell was ecstatic with the team’s non-league matches leading up to De Anza Division play. The Wildcats’ only defeat came to powerhouse St. Francis, one of the top teams in Northern California. The Wildcats are the defending De Anza Division champions, going 9-0-3 to run away with the title last year. This season, Mountain View, Homestead and Los Altos will be their chief competition in their bid to repeat as league champions.
Even though Los Gatos won the De Anza Division championship last year, its season ended prematurely in the opening round of the CCS Open Division playoffs. That defeat has given all the returning players a perspective that they need to be fully prepared—both mentally and physically–-if they want to reach the CCS pinnacle.
“I think they definitely have a little fire and extra drive this year to know even though we might be winning games, anything can happen,” Mitchell said. “At the end of the day, every game is different and it’s up to us to meet our expectations and adjust to the things we have to do, whether it’s being solid in the back defensively to making sure we’re finishing our chances and putting away goals.”
Kaefer and Edson were part of the MVLA under-16 girls team that won the prestigious Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) championship last July. Their championship experience in a highly-competitive club setting should prove invaluable this season.
“Having two girls on our team that did win that championship is huge,” Mitchell said. “Their knowledge of the game and leadership on the field is so helpful.”
Fresh off a huge win over Los Altos, the Wildcats have reason to be optimistic going forward.
“For sure, absolutely, I think every game we’re getting better and improving in every aspect of the game,” Mitchell said.
