Written By: Isabel Yrungaray, Staff Writer
ATHLETES: Poly Girls Soccer team works to improve their record as they head into league game play and gain connection as a team.
With three college soccer commits from the 2023 season, the Riverside Poly High School Girls Soccer team heads into their new season with hope and speed. As five time undefeated league champions they work to maintain their title and show talent on the field. With a quick start, they had gotten lots of practice time with eighteen games in the first month. Oozing with talent and led by coach Josh Nash, they are off to a promising start with seven wins, nine ties, and three losses.
Although a dynamic team filled with girls who have chemistry and who have played together for years, they faced hardships as their season began. From injuries including ACL tears to sprained ankles and even a broken hand, they were left needing to rotate girls and have a strong starting team. With a Coach based off campus, it has been difficult to find practice time because of field usage and student schedule conflicts. However, they have worked to overcome and stay focused. Some team members that have worked especially hard are awarded with playing time, and start each game. Members of their starting team include goalie, Frida Blass (11), defenders: Madison Duncan (11), Jordi Duncan (11), Grace Bauder (10), and Sophee Salcedo (10), midfielders: Julia Bailey (12), Arlette Espinoza (11), and Ivanna Vargas Campos(11), and forwards: Saydee Salcedo (10), Addison Zyber (12), and Madelyn Sisco (12). Captain Bailey describes their season with excitement as she shares that she “loves her team and the environment they’ve created” and each member truly “works to do their job and contribute to [our] improvement.”
As one of the best defenders on the field as only a sophomore, Sophee Salcedo shares that “ [we] are starting off strong in league 2-0 and will continue to do so.” Her twin sister and one of the leading scorers on the team, Saydee, elaborates by describing that “even in the face of adversity, we still manage to come out on top.”
From an audience perspective, part of what makes the team exceptional is the attitude they have about being on the field. They work to help each other and earn wins together. Even with three goals in a game, Zyber still recognizes Sophee Salcedo for her game-changing assists. Defenders Madison and Jordi Duncan work to help the goalie and clear the ball. Blass watches the game carefully and strategizes with her defenders. Midfielders Bailey, Vargas Campos, and Espinoza moved the ball up the field, utilizing their skills to beat the opposing defense. The forwards are constantly making diagonal runs, doing 1-2’s and taking shots on goal.
Overall, this team is determined to do amazing things. Like with any sport, they have their struggles but the girls are committed to overcoming and playing as one. Many of these athletes have a bright future ahead of them, and are destined to play college soccer. Riverside Poly High School will continue to cheer them on and are sure to witness greatness as the girls prepare for CIF D3 playoffs after an undefeated league season.