The Sweet Home girls soccer team (0-4) has faced a challenging non-league run, suffering three consecutive losses in recent matchups. Despite the setbacks, the team continues to show signs of improvement as they prepare for league play.
Sweet Home fell to Junction City (1-5) in a 1-5 loss on Sept. 10. Amelia Sullens scored the team’s lone goal, with notable performances from Anabelle Morris and Peyton Markell.
“We played good, but we struggled in one half,” Coach Ramiro Santana said. “In the first half, we had a bunch of new players; the second half was the best we’ve played.”
While Sweet Home fought hard, the team struggled with passing throughout the game.
“The passing is where we struggle right now, that’s where we struggled the most in that game,” Santana added.
Sweet Home then took on Western Christian (1-4) at home, losing 0-1 on Sept. 17. Despite the defeat, the team remained optimistic about their performance.
“We played amazing, I think the girls did good. We did everything we could,” Santana said. “This is probably the best game we have played this season so far, so it’s looking good. The way we have gone in every game has been better. We talked, we passed, we shot; it was just not our luck. They had a very good goalie.”
With the teams’ starting goalkeeper absent due to illness, the team had to adjust their lineup, moving Khloe Sautel, Sullens, and Morris between defensive positions.
“I think everybody played really good,” Santana stated. “Even the girls on the bench were cheering the girls on.”
Sweet Home completed their non-league season with a 0-3 loss away at Cottage Grove (2-2) on Sept. 19. No comments were available from the coaching staff following the match.
The team now turns its attention to the upcoming league season, aiming to build on their improvements and learn from their non-league experiences. Their first league play will be at home versus Philomath (1-2-1) on Sept. 26.
