Girl’s BIFS MS Soccer secure the TREBLE
This past weekend BIFS MS Soccer traveled to Jeju Island for the KISAC Red Tournament. The girls team, comprised of Captain – Eve Seeberg, Goal Keeper – Marnie Stutsel, Defensive Line – Ali Zakirova, Erika Manrique, Midfield – Grace Montiero, Zoe Shields, Cayetana Pendergast, SeNa Julsdorf, and Striker – Kira Seggerty faced tough competition, but came out victorious; claiming their third trophy this season and making a clean sweep of all KISAC and SKAC tournaments.
The Bears started the day against Branksome Hall with a quick goal from midfield by Monteiro, rousing the girl’s spirits to knock in five more goals (overall: Monteiro – 2, Seggerty – 2, Pendergast – 2) for a win of 6-0. Our strong defensive line allowed very few shots on goal.
The second game brought the Bears against North London Collegiate- Second Team. The girls maintained their style of football with quick passing, fast-paced attacks, and a solid defense that brought the girls their second victory of the day with a 2-0 win (overall: Seggerty – 1, Shields – 1). Shields made a superb shot wide of the goal, utilizing a newly learned technique of curving the ball in to score. This was followed by an excellent run up the field by Seggerty to secure our second goal.
Nerves ran high as the girls entered the semi-finals facing a hard-hitting ISK team. Both teams played to their highest level, giving the supporters a fantastic game of quality football to watch. Clean passes allowed both teams to make quick breaks and really challenged the defensive lines. After an early goal by ISK, Pendergast came in clutch to calm the nerves of everyone on and off the field with a smooth knock-in, tying the game right before half time. Going into the second half, the Bears tirelessly shot on goal and managed to rack up three more goals; one being a brilliant run from the defensive side by Zakirova (overall: Pendergast – 1, Seggerty – 2, Zakirova – 1). Thanks to unwavering goal keeping, Stutsel made countless quality saves, throwing her body on the line to keep the ISK team to only two goals for a Bears victory of 4 – 2 and a spot in the Championship game.
Preparing for the final game of the tournament and of the season, the girls yearned to defend the KISAC Red title BIFS had won last year and to become three peat winners for the 2015 MS Soccer Season. The Bears faced North London Collegiate – First Team in the Championship game. Previously defeating this team in a prior tournament, the girls were confident, despite exhaustion setting in. The game kept all supporters on the edge of their seats as the ball moved quickly between both teams, forcing the Bears to employ their strongest defending and smartest passing, yet. With outstanding touches and crisp passes, the Bears moved the ball down the field, allowing Shields to make a smart read of her teammates and move into position to complete an excellent shot, putting the Bears one goal closer to victory. With this goal, the energy on the field was renewed and the girls stepped up their game, putting the pressure on North London. The Bears fought ferociously for the title and employing techniques learned earlier in the year, made an excellent pass from midfield to draw the defenders to the side, which released Seggerty to make the final goal of the day, clenching the title for the Bears in a 2 – 1 win (overall: Shields – 1, Seggerty – 1).
The girl’s team showed excellence all season long on and off the field, playing hard, playing fair, and showing true sportsmanship at every event. They played with their hearts and souls in every game and truly deserved the winning trophy. Even more amazing was to see how this group came together from all corners of the globe and played as one team; every player being as valuable as the next, making strong plays on the field and being supportive and spirited off the field. Congratulations, Bears! We could not be more proud of you!
BOYS MS SOCCER
Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity Boys gave a great account of themselves at the KISAC Red Jeju tournament, putting together all they learnt throughout the season.