Girls soccer defeats La Mirada in CIF semi-finals

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

February 27, 2013

During half-time, seniors Francisco Gomez and Arya Givehchin pump up the crowd during the CIF girls soccer game against La Mirada on Tuesday, February 26.

The varsity girls move ahead to the CIF finals after defeating the La Mirada Matadores on Tuesday Feb. 26 at the Allen Lane Stadium. For the many returning members of the team, this is their second chance at an opportunity to win a CIF title, and the athletes hope they can prove themselves champions once again.

The stadium was filled with excited teachers, students, coaches, and family members humming in anticipation as the game began. Seniors Francisco Gomez and Aria Givenchy painted jerseys onto their upper bodies and rallied the crowd to show their peers full support.

“I have a CIF ring and I wanted to return the love and support I received while I was on the [football] field,” Gomez said.

With the score board still unchanged by second half, Vikings drove the Matadores out of the field, preventing any room for a lead. In the first ten minutes of the second half, forward freshman Tara Kazima set the bar for success with a left-side goal.

Kazimi’s goal was exactly what the girls needed to remind them that they are champions and went on to score a second goal less than three minutes later.

Strength and conditioning consultant Ed Holt avidly supports the team from the sidelines, making sure they know he appreciates their sportsmanship and character.

“Athletes that I have [coached] don’t have this kind of heart,” Holt said. “These guys have hearts of champions.”

With 13:12 minutes remaining Kazimi scored her second goal for the Lady Vikings, ending the game at a victorious 3-0. Kazimi explains one thing which drove her to personal success.

“I thought of the [CIF] ring,” Kazimi said. “I want to win and get that ring.”

As the CIF title gets closer, the soccer players know to keep a positive attitude and remain focused.

“We can’t get over-confident,” senior center mid-field Krista Velasco said. “Winning isn’t just on a physical level; you need heart too.”

Coach Rachel Godfrey has been preparing her team all season for CIF and knows how they are capable of success on the field.

“It’s a combination of skill and heart,” Godfrey said. “These girls work so hard; they don’t believe anything is going to be handed to them.”

With the win aside, only one game stands in between the Lady Vikes and their goal. They gathered at the end of the game for a quick victory speech by Holt, ending with their favorite saying, “Not today!” They will be facing their final opponent on Saturday March 1 at Warren High School’s Justice Stadium.

About the Contributors

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground. While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray. Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.

Amanda Lira, Photographer/Photo Editor

Among the returning members of The Downey Legend is Amanda Lira, who had personal motives to join the online newspaper. Lira who currently holds the position of Photo Editor was in junior high when she began to take an interest in photography and decided her dream was to work for a magazine. However, as time passed her gears began to shift toward medicine; but in spite of that, she never lost her passion for photography. “I joined ROP for sports medicine; my goal is to be in Skills USA this year,” Lira said. “I also decided to return to newspaper to meet new people and to feel like a part of something; we are like a little family.” Lira’s current dream is to attend San Francisco State and major in physical therapy. Aside from photography and medicine, Lira enjoys going to the beach with her cousin Lupe and watching Johnny Depp and Bradley Cooper movies. Lira’s aspirations have guided her decisions, from choosing to apply for newspaper, and taking ROP sports medicine. “I think it’s a big achievement¾becoming Photo Editor, and this year I plan on giving it everything,” Lira said. “It’s my senior year and the first step to getting where I want to be.”