This is a picture of the girls varsity doing a practice drill. This picture was taken on Monday, March 10th.
Introduction
Girls’ soccer season has arrived! All the girls are excited to start the season. Tryouts were on March 3-5, 2025. The girls are ready for the new conference and going against different schools such as West Aurora, Elk Grove, and West Chicago. The varsity girls want to win a regional this year, as last year they lost the regional final versus Nazareth Academy. They also want to win conference again this year, as last year they won the conference by beating Ridgewood 5-2. The EPHS varsity girls’ soccer team is coached by Martin Blake. To see what the coach and players are expecting, I interviewed Coach Blake and people on the team, such as Nella Iversen and Ariana Alonzo.
Last Season
12 wins, 1 tie, and 3 losses. It was not bad for last year’s season. Last year’s conference was Riverside Brookfield and Ridgewood. The first game versus Riverside Brookfield was intense as the team went to overtime. At the end of the second half of overtime, with 2 minutes left, EPHS scored. The whole team won 2-1. Next, against Ridgewood, EPHS beat them 3-1, as Ridgewood scored on us first. It was raining the whole game, and people were slipping a lot. EPHS parents and friends were cheering the team on.
Next, the team went against Riverside Brookfield again, but this time they were at home. The whole team was confident they would win. The game was back and forth, and at the end of the first half, it finished 2-2. Heading into the second half, Riverside Brookfield scored right away with 2 goals, making it 4-2.
The next game was to determine the winner of the conference. Going against Ridgewood on Senior Night for EPHS was important. The first half and most of the second half were 2-2. With 15 minutes left in the second half, EPHS scored 3 goals, making it 5-2.
The regional semi-final was against Ridgewood again. As both teams arrived at Nazareth Academy, it was important for both teams to reach the regional final. As the game started, EPHS was having fun scoring goals against Ridgewood. The game finished 7-0.
EPHS vs Nazareth Academy for the regional final. The game started with Nazareth scoring first, which made EPHS look for a goal right away. The game ended 3-1, making them lose the regional final. They were happy with the memories and how the season turned out. Everyone was happy with how far they got, but they expected to go farther.
This Season: First Game Versus Hinsdale South
The first game for the varsity team was on March 18, 2025. The game was at home versus Hinsdale South at 4:30 pm. The day finally arrived for the players and coaches. Some people were nervous and excited. Last season, the teams tied 0-0. The whole team expected a tied game or a win. The starting eleven were nervous to play as they entered the field, especially since for some, it was their first time playing a varsity game.
As the first half started, EPHS scored the first goal. The game was getting intense and rough. The Hornets did not stop and scored a goal to tie the game. Now the EPHS players felt a lot of pressure. As the first half was about to end, the Hornets scored another goal from a corner kick, making it 2-1. The first half finished with everyone tired, not expecting to end the first half with this result.
As the second half started, EPHS wanted to tie the game or win. The Hornets scored another goal from a free kick, making it 3-1. EPHS didn’t give up; they were trying to find another goal. As EPHS kept trying, they finally scored again, making it 3-2. When the ref blew the whistle, EPHS tried to tie the game, but the Hornets wanted more. They scored 2 more goals on EPHS, making the score 5-2.
At last, EPHS scored again, making it 5-3. When the ref blew the final whistle, no one expected the game to end like this. As Coach Blake said, “It’s the first game. Don’t let it ruin your mood. There are many games to go.”
Interview with Nella Iversen
What games are you looking forward to this season?
Some games I am expecting are RB (Riverside Brookfield). I really want to beat them. And our rivals Ridgewood.
What is your favorite memory from last season?
My favorite memory would be the candy salad. It was really good. And making TikTok videos with the team.
What is your favorite pre-game song to listen to before a game?
It would be “Sara” from Fleetwood Mac.
What are some personal goals you have for this season?
Considering I would be playing all back the last person on defense. I would consider scoring a goal or more at least. Since last year I scored only one.
Do you plan to play soccer in college?
I would love to play soccer in college if there’s a possibility.
Interview with Coach Blake
What are some goals you are looking forward to this season?
Our goals for varsity is to win conference, win Regionals, and put ourselves in a place to compete for the State tournament.
How do you feel about this year’s season?
This season presents many new challenges. I look forward to leaning on our strong senior class to guide us
What do you like about the team this season?
I like the people. I enjoy talking to them. They are not only good athletes; they are good people who I would want my children to associate with.
What are some games you are looking forward to this season?
All the games are equally important, but beating Ridgewood does make us all giggle a bit!
What made you want to become a soccer coach?
I love coaching soccer because it is a true team sport. I was asked in 7th grade (1984) by my club coach if I wanted to coach some younger kids. From then on I was hooked and have coached soccer at some level ever since.
Interview with Ariana Alonzo
What games are you looking forward to this season?
I’m looking forward to playing RB (Riverside Brookfield) because we need to defeat them. And I’m also looking forward to playing East Leyden to prove we can win this year.
What is your favorite memory from last season?
My favorite memory was when Leyla Medina Burgos comforted me when I scored against Nazareth, but we still ended up losing the regional title.
What is your favorite pre-game song to listen to before a game?
“Baile Inolvidable” by Bad Bunny
What are some personal goals you have for this season?
To stop second guessing myself and have more confidence with the ball.
Do you plan to play soccer in college?
I would love to and I think I’ve always wanted to but I hope in the end I just end up successful.
Conclusion
Coach Blake and the girls’ varsity expect to get far this season and make memories. Everyone’s goals this season are to win regional and conference. Although the first game versus Hinsdale South was not what the team wanted, they have many more games ahead. The frosh/soph team won against Elk Grove 2-1, and JV tied against Hinsdale South 1-1.
Come support the team this season at home games and at the Ridgewood game.
Works Cited:
Nella Iversen, Personal Interview: March 5, 2025
Ariana Alonzo, Personal Interview: March 10, 2025
Coach Blake, Personal Interview: March 6, 2025