The Champs! (Photo – Chris Karp)
The Marshall Fundamental Girls Soccer Team won the California Interscholastic Southern Section Division 5 Championship on Saturday, Feb. 26.
By Felita Kealing
It was the Marshall Fundamental Eagles vs. the Hemet High School Bulldogs at the Pasadena City College Robinson Field. The Eagles entered the playoffs seeded third and the Bulldogs were seeded 10th. The competition was an epic battle between the two teams.
It was the Bulldogs who scored first, and then it was answered with a goal by Eagles Senior Brianna Marquez with a punt that reached the back of the next. Helen Elizalde got her second goal past the Marshall Fundamental Goalie, Kaiya Jota. It was Marshall Sophomore Esmeralda Jaquez who answered the call with a goal that tied the score at two to two at the half.
During the second half of the game, Angely Puga, a Marshall Eagle Junior, advanced the team by one goal. The goal was answered late in the second half by Presley Searl of the Bulldogs bringing the score to 3-3.
At the end of regulation, the score was tied and the game went into overtime and initiated the Golden Goal rule. That is two 10-minute periods with a two-minute break. However, the first team to score the “golden goal” wins the game.
With less than three minutes into the first Golden Goal period, senior Brianna Marquez had a direct kick as a result of a collision. The kick was redirected by Angely Puga and found the back of the net giving Marshall Fundamental the Golden Goal and the win.
The stands were filled with the Marshall Fundamental Community; students, parents, alumni, staff members, community members, PUSD District Staff, and Board Member, Scott Phelps.
(L-R) Stephanie Romero, Lori Touloumian, Brian McDonald, Erika Prado and Marco Villegas)
Dr. Brian McDonald stated, “You can see by the smile on my face how excited and happy I am. I am so very proud of the Lady Eagles. This has been a thrilling game and they have displayed such great determination it is so heartwarming. Go Marshall Eagles!”
Thanks to the Marshall Fundamental Athletic Department: Athletic Directors Brent English and Stan Makiyama; and Assistant Principal of Athletics Audrey Green. Marshall Principal Lori Touloumian, Associate Superintendent of PUSD Dr. Marcos Villegas, and Superintendent of PUSD Dr. Brain McDonald were all in attendance and cheering on the Marshall Fundamental Lady Eagles.
The Marshall Fundamental Eagles end their quest to the championship with an impressive 25 wins, two losses, and no tie games. Thanks to Head Coach Ericka Prado and Assistant Coach Stephanie Romero for a fantastic season.
Dr. Marcos Villlegas stated, “I am so excited for these ladies. They have shown perseverance and integrity. They have the ability to work as a team. I couldn’t be prouder of them. They are a great team they are well-coached with lots of great athletes. They’re gonna go a long way. So thumbs up. Big Things for Marshall in the future.”
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I was there!!!!! Great victory, go eagles