Cleveland’s varsity girls’ soccer continued their dominance with four straight wins to end the season. Heading into the playoffs as the fourth-ranked team in the state, their record stands at 11 wins, three draws, and one loss.
On Monday, Oct. 9 Cleveland faced off with rival Franklin. The Warriors won in dominant fashion, with a final score of 5-0. Cleveland started off strong with a rocket of a goal by Lola Pierce, from 30 yards out. Pierce got another goal before the end of the first half, when she outran the defense and finished 1-on-1 with the goalie. The Warriors kept their foot on the gas in the second half. Ella Cohen scored a brilliant goal when she dribbled past four Franklin defenders, and buried a shot in the back of the net. Pierce then scored yet another goal, when she received a pass at the 40 yard line, and outran the entire Franklin defense. Finally, Pierce picked up her fourth goal after dribbling around the goalie, and finishing on the open net.
Cleveland played McDaniel on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The Warriors walked out with a 2-0 victory over the Mountain Lions. The game started off slow with Cleveland creating a lot of chances but failing to convert. Finally late in the first half the Warriors broke through with a tap-in goal by Sarah Pender, after a shot bounced off the hands of the McDaniel goalie. Cleveland would ice the game in the second half with a goal from Pierce.
Then on Thursday, Oct 19, the Warriors defeated Ida B. Wells 5-1. This was Cleveland’s last home game, as well as their senior night. Cleveland’s goals were scored by Pierce, who had two, Cohen, and seniors Elsie Koehler,and Jaidyn Richter, who had one each.
Finally, the Warriors finished their season away at Roosevelt, on Monday, Oct. 23. Cleveland walked away with yet another dominant victory, with a final score of 6-0. Cohen, and Pierce had two goals each, and Gillian Taylor, and Mason Bregoli scored a goal apiece.
A major highlight for this Cleveland team has been their outstanding defense. This game was their third shutout in four games, and their sixth on the year. With the exception of Jesuit, the Warriors defense hasn’t allowed more than two goals in a game all season.
Senior Evie Miller, one of the Warriors’ key defensive players said, “I think this momentum from the regular season will take us far in playoffs. I’m excited.”
With the regular season over, Cleveland is looking towards the playoffs. Ranked fourth in state, the Warriors are set to make a deep playoff run. Cleveland will play No. 29-ranked Beaverton on Saturday, Oct 28 at Cleveland at noon. Results of the game were not available as of press time, but go to ClevelandClarion.com for the latest results.