Battle for the Surfboard Ends in Tie

OsideNews

February 17, 2017

Oceanside CA— It was Senior Night as the El Camino Wildcats Girls Soccer team hosted the Oceanside Pirates in the Battle of the Surfboard. The Pirates retain the Logan Lipton Memorial Surfboard as the game ended in a draw, 1 all.
The Wildcats scored first on a goal by Alyssa Ozuna that was just off the hands of Pirate Goalie, Taesja Paopao, with just under three minutes to play in the first half. “That was an unfortunate goal but it was a hard shot. She is so competitive and she’s beating herself up over it but the team had her back tonight, said Pirate Head Coach, Miguel Barragan about his sophomore keeper.

Pirate Goalkeeper Taesja Paopao makes a save in the first half of play.

Josephine Mageo scored for the Pirates on a rebound off a corner kick with 14:28 left in the game.
“It was a super emotional night for us,” said Wildcats Head Coach Luis Casillas “It was a game of controlling emotions and fight for both teams. It was emotional for all of us. We’ve know each other for so long. It was hard to get them focused on the game. Miguel and I have coached girls on opposite side of the field for a long time and I loved the way our girls played. They played hard tonight with a lot of heart.” continued the Wildcat Coach, “It has been a great season for us but we are definitely ready to go to the CIF playoffs and get our focus there. It’s been the best season ever for the Wildcats and we very proud of that.” The Wildcats finish the regular season at 11-6-4 overall and a 5-2-4 league record.

“It is always such a tough game,” said Pirate Coach Barragan. “Whether they’re strong one year or we are strong one year, it is always such a great rivalry. It’s really hard to judge this game because there is so much heart and passion behind it. El Camino is such a strong team this year with lot’s of skillful, talented players. Lot’s of extra talent.”
Injuries have hurt the Pirates this year as they end the regular season at 7-6-6 overall and 3-3-5 in conference play. “We are limited to twelve players, seven or eight of them healthy so for them to battle back, get that amazing goal and keep the game tight the whole time, you know what? I’m proud of these girls. That’s for sure. For the way this year has gone for them and us, I think this is a great result.
Oceanside Mayor, Jim Wood and OUSD Superintendent, Dr. Duane Coleman were on hand to present flowers and leis to the seniors before the game that was moved up one day due to the inclement weather forecast for today.