The Mission Bay girls varsity soccer team has earned a terrific 10-2 record and a 3-0 Central League-leading performance to begin the 2007-08 season.
“We’ve gotten a nice surprise from our freshman class,” said Mission Bay head coach Jorge Palacios. “We have four freshmen starting who are really contributing. Twin sisters Lauren and Remy Gagnon are doing a wonderful job at midfield, and Micaela Cervantes has been very solid. Stephanie (Urrutia) is also giving us a lot of help at forward.”
The heart of the Lady Bucs success is the team’s seniors. League-leading scorer Roshana Lavery and goalkeeper Jeanette Urrutia have led the Mission Bay squad to a Barons Tournament title and beyond.
Lavery has scored 19 goals in 12 games, while Urrutia has allowed only 10.
“Our seniors have led us to this 10-2 start,” Palacios said. “Roshana is really determined, an excellent athlete. Jeanette is doing a fantastic job. During the Barons [Tournament] she allowed only one goal in five games. She was the tournament MVP ” they are a major part of our success.”
The Lady Bucs’ two losses have come in nonleague games against University City and La Jolla. Mission Bay lost 2-1 at UC and 4-0 at La Jolla Friday, Jan 4.
Five minutes into the game, a La Jolla forward collided with goalkeeper Urrutia 10 yards in front of the goal ” no foul was called, but Urrutia had to be helped off the field and rushed to the hospital, where blows to her face, thigh and ribs were treated.
“The x-rays showed no breaks, but she has some very bruised ribs,” Palacios said. “She will be OK, but we were all upset that such a flagrant collision with a goalie collecting the ball didn’t even draw a foul.”
Urrutia has earned seven shutouts and allowed an average of less than one goal per game.
The Lady Bucs held La Jolla 0-0 through the first half, but Mission Bay’s back-up goalie and the relentless Viking attack lead to a big chill while the temperatures dropped into the 40s as the big storms moved in to hit the area hours later on Friday night. La Jolla remains undefeated.
“We had some injuries that held us back,” Palacios said. “Besides Jeanette, Micaela (Cervantes) is working through a hip injury ” Becca James wasn’t available. All of that didn’t help us.”
Cervantes leads the team in assists with 12. The freshman has contributed 6 goals, while fellow freshman Stephanie Urrutia has added 7 and Jessica Diaz 5. Senior Victoria Colon has also delivered 7 goals.
The top teams in the Central League this season are Mission Bay, defending champ Madison and Clairemont High, according to Palacios.
“It was great to beat our rival, Madison (1-0),” Palacios said. “They have an outstanding goalie, great coach and good defense. They are always tough. But Clairemont is off to a good season this year ” we have to play our best every game.”
Improvements in the Lady Bucs’ level of play is in large part a result of more players participating on soccer club teams in the off-season.
“Most of our ladies are on some off-season clubs now,” Palacios added. “They include the PB Blast, Surf, Notts Forrest, Albion, FC Bratz and Kodiak.”
At Mission Bay’s next home game they face Hoover Thursday, Jan 17 at 3 p.m. League play continues through Feb 12, followed by the playoffs.
Seniors on the Lady Bucs included goalie Urrutia, Lavery, Vickie Colon, Isabel Flores, Becca James and Michelle Pineda.
Information about girls soccer, including club experience for young players, is available from Palacios at MBHS at (619) 273-1313 ext. 271.