Fresh back from winter break, the girls varsity soccer team was faced with an immediate challenge: extend their undefeated streak in a league game against South Pasadena. Far beyond an ordinary game, this game was part of the two-part rivalry week. With the prospect of winning on their home turf, the Titans scored a decisive victory during their game on January 7th, winning 3-1 and increasing their winning streak to seven.
While decisive, the win was anything but easy. The Titans faced a tricky opponent which kept them on their toes. The first half was scoreless as the two teams battled back and forth, neither able to break past the other’s defenses. However, Sophia Rodriguez, 11, was able to break through the struggle and give the Titans the lead. The rest of the first half proved scoreless, taking the Titans into the second half with a one goal lead. The back-and-forth struggle continued as the scoreboard remained unchanged for most of the second half. Around halfway through, South Pasadena scored, tying the game. Undaunted, the Titans soon responded with Rodriguez scoring yet again, bringing her season total up to fourteen goals. Now firmly in the lead, the Titans continued to match South Pasadena as the sun set over the soccer field. The fierce matchup continued until the very end of the game.
Still closely matched, the Titans secured their third goal with only five minutes left in the game. With Sabrina Garcia, 12, kicking the ball high over South Pasadena’s goalie, the Titans were sure of a victory. As the game closed in around San Marino’s goal in the last minutes, goalie Athena Smith, 12, kept South Pasadena from attempting to catch up. Ending rivalry week on a win, the team reflected on the game. Struggle, but ultimate triumph, was the sentiment shared. “It was a tough game, but I’m glad that we were able to win,” Sally Stranger, 10, said.
The Titans remain undefeated in the Rio Hondo league, and look forward to continuing their winning streak. The Titans face off once more against South Pasadena on January 26th.
