Shocking loss ends girls soccer season (5/03)

By Administrator

Oct. 17, 2003

With an award-winning season behind them, the Lowell girls' soccer team faced the final Trans-Bay game on May 21 against Oakland's Skyline High School with high hopes. They had already won the first Trans-Bay game on May 16, 3-0, and captured the AAA title on May 10 in a 7-0 blowout against the Lincoln Mustangs.

However, the lady Cardinals could not even muster one goal in the second game, losing in a shocking 7-0 rout against Skyline. The Trans-Bay Tournament loss ended with the goals of both games added together to give Skyline a 7-3 win overall thus ending an extraordinary season on a low note for the Cardinals. Girls' soccer MVP Madeline KornfieldUndefeated in league play, the Cardinals played impressively throughout the regular season.

The players' "will and determination" took the team all the way to the championship, according to freshman forward Lawdan Pahlavan.

Unfortunately, the team was unable to go any further.

The May 21 match against Skyline showcased just a fraction of the team's talent. During the first half of the game, Lowell was trailing 3-0.

During the second half, Lowell's play collapsed. Skyline's quick and nimble forwards were able to score an additional four goals against the seemingly helpless Cardinal defense. Sadly, the Cardinals were unable to penetrate Skyline's backfield.

Many of the players had a hard time adapting to the East Bay playing conditions. "The heat was unbearable," senior Carrie Jung said. "We weren't used to the turf either."

Jung explained that playing in taller grass and not knowing how much strength to use in a kick had a major effect on their play.

During the first Trans-Bay game on May 16, a bizarre play swung the advantage toward Lowell: Skyline's defense scored the first Cardinal goal. This botched play ended a relatively poor half on a higher note for the Cardinals.

Girls' soccer MVP Madeline Kornfield

As the second half opened, the girls returned to the field with newfound fury.

Entering with a new state of mind made a big difference. Less than 15 minutes into the second half, senior forward Carrie Jung scored the first goal, putting Lowell up 2-0.

"Carrie Jung has mad skills," Pahlavan said. "She always does what's best for the team."

Determined to win, junior forward Kate Gong and Jung hooked up again for the final goal of the game, providing Lowell with a comfortable 3-0 cushion.

With the dismal May 21 closing to a spectacular season, the coaches now find themselves faced with new problems as they prepare for next season.

"Preparing the new and younger players in order to make up for the loss (of graduating seniors) is going to be challenging," assistant coach Gene Vrana said.

The team will lose forwards Carrie Jung and Megan McDevitt, mid-fielder Meghan Park, defender Alexandra Miley and sweeper Madeleine Kornfield. The remaining players will miss their substantial presence.

"The upperclassmen push us freshmen to play our best," freshman Violetta Musselli said. "We feel less insecure knowing we have support."

According to Kornfield, that supportive atmosphere was a high point of the season. "Relationships between players have become stronger," she noted.

One of the Cardinals' most talented players and leaders, Kornfield is this year's MVP. She displayed not only natural soccer ability, but also leadership skills a crucial factor in the Cardinals' success.

"She allows everyone to participate and doesn't hog the ball," freshman forward Molly Barth said.

The team shows off their trophy

Vrana had predicted that Kornfield would be one of the key players throughout the season before play had even begun . She has not disappointed.

"She always does what's best for the team, always giving encouragement," Pahlavan said.

"She gives us pointers to help us reach a higher (playing) level," freshman mid-fielder Samantha Cekovic said.

Like many MVP's, Kornfield is quite modest. When asked about her strengths as a player, she mentioned only her weakness that she is not "fast enough."

Kornfield said she plans to continue to play soccer recreationally throughout college, making education her first priority.