Early season victories strengthen girls soccer team

Younger squad revamps, seeks revenge against opponent Mountain View High School

The girls soccer team is aiming high after placing second in Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) and Central Coast Section (CCS) last year.

The girls team played very well in their first game, beating Los Altos 4-1, with two goals scored by senior Nika Woodfill.

In the team’s first home game, Paly won 5-1, against Sequoia High School. The girls soccer team has remained undefeated at home since 2013, and looks to continue that streak.

“We did a good job of attacking and getting goals early,” senior Jacey Pederson said.

The girls soccer team has a record of  3-0 despite big losses to the team. The team lost many notable players from last year’s team.

Fromer players Katie Foug and Lena Chang were both commended as SCVAL first-team all-league players last year. Livi Musil will also be a key loss as she was voted most inspirational by her teammates.  Despite these losses, the team hopes to be even stronger this year to beat Mountain view.

“Our goal this year is to one, beat Mountain View [High School] and two, win the whole thing,” junior Reilly Filter said.

Last year Paly lost to Mountain View High School in both league championship and the CCS championship last season. This year, Mountain View has many experienced players returning including six seniors and other junior and sophomore varsity athletes from last year’s team. Because only two seniors graduated from last year’s team, they are expected to be even stronger this year.

Paly has high goals to defeat Mountain View. This years team has a mix of youth and experience. The team has four freshman and will be lead by seniors Jacey Pederson and Heidi Moeser. The team had a shaky start in their first games, but are developing into a team that plays really well together according. Having a close team is imperative to having a successful season.

“[There are] a lot of new players but everyone is getting along really well and it can only get better from here.” Pederson said.

Tightening up defensively and allowing fewer goals is something the team looks to improve upon according to Pederson.

If the team polishes up their defense, they will be strong contenders this season for the league championship and a CCS title.