PACA Warriors Triumph Over Chapel Trojans

Caption: The Varsity Girls Soccer Team poses at the end of a home game. [by Mariana Yagui]

By Valentina Porto

On September 22nd, the PACA Varsity Girls Soccer Team faced the Chapel Trojans on their home campus for their fifth game of the season. The match kicked off at 18:43, right after the PACA Boys’ game, which had ended in a tough 0–1 defeat. After two loses and two wins, the Warriors were determined to guarantee their spot in the tournament. The team accomplished two victories including one penalty dispute and one regular game. They currently ranked third in the tournament with a total of five points. From the very first whistle, the Warriors showed intensity, fighting for every ball and maintaining their calm. The first half saw chances on both sides. There were at least three goal attempts during the initial 35 minutes. The game began with a huge advantage for the PACA Warriors. The forwards tested Chapel’s defense with strong kicks and quick attacks. The midfield played a key role in the game. The decisive moment came after a tense event inside Chapel’s penalty box. Following a back-and-forth scramble for the ball, Anita Silva stayed alert, reacting faster than anyone else. With fast reflexes, she sent the ball into the net, scoring the only goal of the game and putting PACA ahead 1–0. As the game went on, the Warriors maintained the same rhythm. Chapel pressed hard, but PACA’s defense wouldn’t budge. The Trojans’ home turf was packed with Warriors’ supporters. Parents, family and other friends could be seen cheering and encouraging all players on the field from the beginning till the end. The final whistle brought a wave of relief and triumph. The team gathered in a circle to celebrate the well-earned victory and commemorate. The quality of this game was undeniable. Rafaela Miglio, who played in the position of the fierce right wing, noted the efficiency of the team in communicating with each other throughout the game. “I felt like our team was really organized and ready to play. We didn’t really struggle as a team in that game and it was a really good example of how far we’ve come. Everyone gave their best and supported each other on the field,” said Miglio.

Caption: The Varsity Girls Soccer Team in action during one of their home games. [by Enzo Vicarri]

Ana Luisa Helfer, the Warrior left wing, also noticed the strength of teamwork during each play. “The formation of the team was clearly organized and compact,” said Helfer. “We were also really prepared.”

The girls had kind of a mixed start this season, with the same number of wins and loses. However, their progress after the first four games was clear. These results would mean that the Warriors stand third in the league, totaling 8 points. On the other hand, after two other matches won against both EAC and Graded they gained 2 points each penalty win and have a total of 12 points. These past wins not only boosts their position in the standings but also their confidence heading into their next and final match before the semi-finals against St. Pauls. The PACA Warriors now look ahead to their upcoming game at St. Pauls on October 21 prepared to keep climbing the rankings and potentially earn their school a medal.