On Friday, May 12th, the Clemente Wildcats girls Varsity soccer team faced off against the Trinity Blazers in the IHSA Regional Quarterfinal playoff game. Clemente began the game strong, playing defensively, and allowing the Blazers to keep possession for most of the first half. The Blazers were able to attack and create many goal-scoring opportunities. Clemente was forced to defend for the entire half and the Blazers were able to finish the first-half with a 5-0 lead.
The second half began with the Lady Wildcats knowing they had 40 minutes to change the game around. The Blazers scored a quick goal within the first ten minutes of the second half. With a 6-0 lead, the Wildcats began playing more freely and having fun, as they knew the season was slowly coming to an end. Sophomore, Maria Lorenzo, played a strong second half, by continuing to stop the Blazers’ attack. Clemente was not able to recover and the Blazers were able to score three more second half goals. The 2017 Spring Varsity girls’ soccer season came to an end with an 8-0 loss to the Blazers from Trinity High School.
The Lady Wildcats left the final game of the season with their heads held high and will continue to grow and work to get better for the 2018 spring season. The Wildcats’ season didn’t go as they had hoped, but the team has gained more experience that will help their growth going into next season. The 2017 spring soccer season was a success in many ways that didn’t reflect the Wildcats win-loss record. The team has overcame many obstacles, some players left and some new ones joined, but the team has learned the true value of teamwork. Our freshmen players have gained the confidence to be key members of next year’s team. The sophomore and junior players have proven to be leaders on and off the field; as they will be the ones to lead the team going into next season.
Note from the Coach:
I want to congratulate four players for their outstanding work this season.
Sophomores Isabel Velazquez (co-captain) and Maria Lorenzo, and Junior, Aracely Garcia, were all awarded All-Conference players for the Fourth North division.Senior, Silvia Salgado, was awarded All-City All-Academic Honorable Mention for her outstanding work in the classroom, having a 3.5 Cumulative GPA for her four years at Clemente and having a 19 on her ACT. Congratulations girls!
I also want to say a special thank you and good luck to the only senior player this year, as she gets ready to finish her Senior year at Roberto Clemente Community Academy.
Silvia Salgado– Three years working alongside you have made my job as a coach that much easier. You were our co-captain and led this team by example. I appreciate your passion for the game; you fought and never gave up which reflected positively on the team and that is something that this team will surely miss next season. You have worked hard for three years and always were eager to learn new things, which made our team that much better this season. Continue working hard because I know you have the potential to be someone great in life if you set your mind to it. Stay focused and never stop playing soccer because I know how much joy soccer brings to you!
Keep doing great work Silvia!
-Coach Alonso Pasillas