The high school girls’ soccer team traveled to Camp Walker for the first match of the season against DMHS on Apr. 3. Despite the lack of practice, they stood strong in the first half. The Jets lost their footing after a five minute rest, which led to an unfortunate 3:0 loss.
To prepare for different formats of future futsal matchups, they played eleven-a-side in the first 20 minutes and seven-a-side in the second. Because of limited space on the DIS campus, the Jets lacked experience in eleven-a-side soccer. Therefore, experimental formations and strategies filled the first twenty minutes. Many players had no choice but to rely on pure instinct alone. On the other hand, the Warriors displayed novice skills in seven-a-side football.
Thanks to strong defense, the girls protected the goal successfully and ended the first half without a point allowed. Varsity captain and center-back Minori Kojima said, “We were playing eleven-a-side which we’ve never even tried before. But surprisingly, it went really well. However, it was tiring because we only had one substitute player, so we had to play the entire 20-minute half. ”
The following half was a seven-a-side game with starters Victoria Kang as goalkeeper (number 40), Minori Kojima as center back (number 9), Ellen Cho as right back (number 16), Nadio Woo as left back (number 2), Leewen Wang as midfielder (number 20), Annie Cho as midfielder (number 3), and Jayden Hayward (number 21) as striker.
In the second twenty minutes, holes in the defense cost three goals for the Jets. Kojima said, “After we switched to seven-a-side, there was a lack of communication between the defense and the rest of the team which led to DMHS scoring three goals.”
Although the match did not conclude in victory, it served as a foundation for a stronger squad in future tourneys. This year, the team consists of 12 members, with 10 freshmen and sophomores. Rookie goalkeeper Victoria Kang said, “It was my first time playing goalie so I was very worried before the match but I think I was able to stay in front of the goal most of the time and stay calm with the ball.”
The coaches analyzed carefully for areas in need of improvement. Coach Fallie said, “I think maybe instead of trying to do 1v1 all the time and clashing with the other players, the girls need to pass and be an option for a pass.”
The match brought positive simulations for both the Warriors and the Jets to reflect on. DMHS senior center-back Isabelle Hennemann said, “I’m a senior so this is my final friendly, and it was good. I enjoyed playing against DIS.” The game proved to be a good start to the season and brought the hope of medals at KISAC and SKAC in April and May.
