Despite slow start Costa fires back winning their fourth game

Brooke Smith

Online Editor

Mira Costa girls soccer dominates South High School at their away game, 5-2 on Wednesday, December 11. Senior, Grace Watkins carried the team, being their top performer with 3 goals. 

The game started off slow for the Mustangs, letting South lead with their aggressive play while Costa could not keep up with their intensity. As the game kept moving, the Mustangs turned on the fire with their offense ultimately leading to their win. 

“Our strengths were our communication in the second half and our individual defending of their players,” Watkins said. “We weren’t strong in the air and that was definitely a weakness for us.”

In the first part of the half, South was definitely on top of their game scoring the first goal of the match. Costa’s senior Skye Davis responded back with the Mustangs first goal of the game, while they try to keep momentum.

“We started off rocky, allowing the other team to keep up with us, but as soon as we woke up we took the game,” Davis said. 

In the second part of the first half, South put away another chance after Davis’ goal, making the Mustangs down by one on the scoreboard. Costa had trouble finishing their chances and failed to move off the ball, ending the half 1-2. 

“Once we realized how to work against their formation on the field, we easily began to get around the opposing team,” senior Ashley Stepczyk said. “Our movement off the ball got better throughout the game.”

As the second half started, the Mustangs came out swinging and matched South’s aggression and speed. Costa completely changed their level with senior Grace Watkins scoring three goals in fifteen minutes. 

“We came out much stronger in the second half and immediately started to dominate the game,” Watkins said. 

In the second part of the second half, the game slowed down a bit, but junior Ellie Weisenberg managed to get another goal for Costa, securing the lead. Although South continued to put up a fight against the Mustangs, they did not manage to get another goal in ending the game, 5-2.

“Since we were able to get a goal early on in the game it gave us more confidence,” Watkins said. “Afterwards, the goals started rolling in and the game became much easier.” 

The Mustangs are scheduled to play next in the South Holiday Classic starting on Saturday, December 14. Girls soccer is undefeated with a record of 4-0.

“On Saturday, I think we will do well and focus on working really hard together to come out with all wins,” Weisenberg said.