Short-Handed Lady Eagles Soccer Team Fall 1-0 to John Henry

#11 Saron Abrham (Center) attempts to retrieve a throw-in.  

#11 Saron Abrham (Center) attempts to retrieve a throw-in.  

(RICHMOND, Ca) With the absence of several key players in their second game of the season, the AIPHS Lady Eagles Soccer team fielded a team of 11 players and was stymied against a stubborn John Henry Wildcats 1-0.  

After a breakdown on the Lady Eagles’ defense led to a Wildcats’ (1-1) first half score by Mittzy Matamoros (#13), the Lady Eagles (1-1) had plenty of time remaining to place points on the board.  But in the second half, general fatigue and injuries depleted the already empty reserves and landed the Lady Eagles’ their first loss of the season.

Defensive performances by freshmen Niyat Ghebretinsae (#8) and Goalkeeper Maria Maciel (#12) did much to help keep the game close.

Defensive performances by freshmen Niyat Ghebretinsae (#8) and Goalkeeper Maria Maciel (#12) did much to help keep the game close.

Despite the defeat, there were several silver linings of this game: First, an all-around defensive effort by the Lady Eagles, including standout performances by freshmen Niyat Ghebretinsae (#8) and Goalkeeper Maria Maciel (#12) did much to help keep the game within reach.  But more importantly, The Lady Eagles displayed a lot of heart and character - a fete that Head Coach Yohannes Harrish was quick to mention to players in his post-game huddle:  

“Playing a soccer match without a sub is difficult, but playing with ten players and part of the game with nine due to injury is even more difficult. Despite this adversity, the team battled out and left everything on the field. The entire team showed the true character of a champion, and, as a coach, I couldn't be more proud of them.”

“Every practice and game is an opportunity for us to learn and grow both as players and individuals, and today we did exactly that. In the game of soccer, you only lose if you don't learn something.”

Up next, the Lady Eagles will travel to Pepsi Field in Hayward to play against Silver Oak High School, this Friday, March 23, 2018, at 4PM.