The George Mason High School girls soccer team had a successful week, beating Madison County High School 4-1 last Friday and Manassas Park High School 3-0 Tuesday. The wins were the boost of confidence the Mason team needed after losing a tough game to Clarke County High School the previous week.
To begin their game, neither Mason nor Madison County had dominance over the ball. However, the aggression and skill of the Mason players gave them an edge over Madison County. Around 20 minutes into the half, Mason started to pick up the tempo with precise passes and opportunities on goal but was unable to execute scoring chances, so the half ended at 0-0.
The second half began with scoring opportunities from both teams that freshman goalie Katie Cheney shut down while the Mason forwards made strides to goal. Midway through the half, sophomore Claire Trevisan received a cross from senior captain Leah Roth and one-timed it into the far right corner of the goal to give Mason a 1-0 lead.
Shortly after, freshman Ava Roth crossed it to Leah Roth, who taped the ball into the far left corner. The sisters play well together, and usually generate great opportunities for each other.
“It’s obvious on the field that Leah and Ava are sisters, because they play so well together and are really close on and off the field,” sophomore Camille Rice said.
After years of attending each other’s games, the sisters understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which contributes to the bond they have while playing. The sisters also discuss previous games occasionally and offer advice to one another.
“It’s exciting because we both think the same when we play, and I just feel like it’s a great way to cap off my fourth year on varsity,” Leah Roth said. “I am so proud of her and I wish the best for her when I leave.”
To score Mason’s third goal, Trevisan beat numerous defenders and slipped a pass to Rice, who executed a goal. Minutes later, Rice gathered a rebound from a hammered shot taken by junior Maggie Mascarenhas and slid it past the goalkeeper.
With little remaining in the game, Madison County scored off of an impressive shot to the left corner. This goal finalized the score of 4-1.
Mason began their game against Manassas Park a little slow as well and never fully managed to pick up the tempo. After beating Manassas Park 8-0 earlier in the season, Mason seemed more relaxed in the game, trying to use it as more of a practice.
Mascarenhas scored Mason’s first goal when she flew down the sideline and shot in the upper 90. Rice scored the second goal when the scramble in front of the goal resulted in her poking the ball between a defender’s legs to score. Trevisan scored Mason’s third and final goal when she headed a ball into the net off of a throw in by Ava Roth.
Mason will play on home turf Friday against William Monroe High School, then away at Rappahannock County High School next Tuesday.
