Acalanes 2009-2010 Soccer- Girls

Previous Years Archives

Girls Soccer

Girls Varsity Soccer

Girls JV Soccer

Girls Freshmen Soccer

Coaches

Acalanes Girls Soccer Schedules 2009-10

Click here for the 2009-10 DFAL Schedule in PDF Format

Click here for Full JV and Varsity Schedule

Click here for Frosh/Soph Schedule

JV and Varsity Schedule

* Non-League

Frosh-Soph Schedule

2009-10 News 

Note: Articles are listed in chronological order

Top of Page

For 2008-09 Girls Soccer Season go to Previous Years Archives

Video clip of Senior Night available on our video page

Wednesday February 24, 2010

Dons lose 1-0 to Alhambra in NCS soccer semi-finals
The Girls Soccer team was unable to defeat Alhambra for a third time this season, losing 1-0 to the Bulldogs on Wednesday night. The Dons started the game a bit flat. Less than 10 minutes into the contest the girls fell behind 1-0 on a well-struck direct kick goal. The Dons gathered energy as the half proceeded and created a number of corner kick opportunities. The Dons headers and short shots were unable to find the frame and the score remained 1-0 at half time.
The Dons started slowly again in the second half but picked up momentum as the clock wound down. The Dons again drove deep into Bull Dog territory and created a flurry of scoring opportunities in the last 15 minutes. The Bulldogs defense resisted every Dons advance, preserved the shutout and the Dons season came to a close.

Under the direction of Coach Tom Ginocchio the Dons finished a fine 2009-10 season with a record of 12-9-4.

Saturday February 20, 2010

Lady Dons Soccer upset #2 seeded Berean Christian 2-1 in overtime
Freshman Kaitlin McGee led the Dons to an improbable 2-1 overtime victory over second seeded Berean Christian in a thrilling NCS quarterfinals match on Saturday. The Eagles scored midway through the first half on a beautiful long shot in the flow of play and led 1-0 at halftime. The Dons offense was shut down by the Eagles defense throughout the first half.

The Dons continued to struggle to find their offensive rhythm through much of the second half. More than halfway through the period the Eagles star player muffed an open goal opportunity, which seemed to give the Dons new spirit. Then senior keeper Angela LaScala-Gruenewald made a spectacular sure-handed save on a close range shot and the tide seemed to turn further. With less than 10 minutes to play McGee calmly resisted two defenders and fed junior Emily Lindsay who blasted in the Dons lone goal in regulation.

Less than a minute into golden goal (first goal wins) overtime, after receiving a pass from junior Anja Simonsen, McGee faked out a defender, drove toward the left end line and deftly angled the ball past the Eagles goalie for the winning goal. The Dons mobbed the freshman hero and Acalanes’ large fan contingent erupted in celebration. Principal Glimme offered the team her congratulations after the game.

The seventh seeded Dons move into the NCS semi-finals at home next Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. versus eleventh seeded Alhambra. Alhambra has defeated sixth seeded Las Lomas and third seeded Albany to reach the semi-finals

Wednesday February 17, 2010

Lady Dons shutout El Cerrito 2-0 in first round of NCS Soccer playoffs
The Dons played one of its best matches of the year Wednesday night, defeating visiting El Cerrito 2-0 in the opening round of the NCS playoffs. The victory avenged a 2-0 loss to the Gauchos earlier in the season. Immediately upon entering the game midway through the first period, senior Cammie Goodman scored the Dons first goal on an assist from her sophomore sister Callie. The Dons applied continuous pressure on the opposing defense and goalie during the second half. The Dons defense frustrated the Gauchos scoring threats all evening and senior goalie Angela LaScala-Gruenewald made one spectacular punch save. Sophomore Annie Beliveau scored the Dons final goal drilling a rebound of her own direct kick into the Gauchos net with 10 minutes to play.
The Dons face second seeded Berean Christian on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on the Walnut Creek Campus in an NCS quarterfinals match

Friday February 12, 2010

Dons stunned by Dougherty Valley 2-1 in Girls Soccer
A storybook ending to the Dons successful DFAL regular season was rewritten in the last minutes of the Dons game on Friday night. The evening started with a ceremony honoring seniors Kenna Carlson, Lindsay Cope, Cammie Goodman, Angela LaScala-Gruenewald, Karina Vitale, Rachel Whittom and Hayley Winther. With all seven seniors on the field the Dons got off to a good start. Midway through the first half senior Kenna Carlson assisted classmate Karina Vitale on the first goal of the game.
The second half featured opportunities for both sides. As time wound down it appeared that the Dons were heading for victory, a victory that would have secured a tie for first place in DFAL. However, with less than three minutes to play the Wildcats star player charged up the field and drilled an unreachable shot into the Dons net. Capitalizing on the euphoria of the game-tying goal, the Wildcats struck again with the game-winning goal with a minute to play. The hard to believe finish left the Dons and their fans stunned.
Happily, the Dons can look forward to the NCS playoffs next week. The Lady Dons are the #7 seed and will host #10 El Cerrito HS, Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday February 10, 2010

Girls soccer team falls to Miramonte 3-0
On Wednesday night Miramonte defeated the Dons 3-0 in a battle of DFAL co-leaders. After controlling play early the Dons lost steam and yielded three unanswered goals to the Mats.
The Dons (10-7-4) host Dougherty Valley in the final game of the regular season Friday night. Senior night ceremony begins at 5:45. Game time is 6:15

Wednesday February 3, 2010

Lady Dons Dons reclaim a share of first place in DFAL
The Dons played one of its best matches of the year Friday night, defeating visiting Alhambra 3-1 in a DFAL contest. Junior Anja Simonsen scored a goal less than five minutes into the game on a crisp assist by senior Hayley Winther. The Bulldogs tied the game on a deflected shot along the end line midway through the first half. Late in the first half freshman Becca Bostwick gathered a perfectly placed assist from senior Cammie Goodman, broke down two defenders and scored the go ahead goal. In an unusual combination early in the second half, junior defender Schuyler Blee received a short pass from fellow defender Rachel Whittom and drove a majestic arcing shot into the net.
With two games left in the DFAL season, first place will be on the line next Wednesday when the Dons travel to Miramonte.

Friday February 5, 2010

Dons battle Campo to scoreless tie in Girls Soccer
The Dons and Cougars successfully defended their respective goals for 80 minutes of soccer on Wednesday night. In a game attended by a record Acalanes crowd (including Principal Glimme), the momentum ebbed and flowed for the Dons throughout the match. Returning from injuries, junior Anja Simonsen and freshman Becca Bostwick provided the Dons with some needed offensive spark, but were unable to score a goal. Senior Kenna Carlson and junior Emily Lindsay also helped create offensive opportunities. The Dons dependable defense and senior keeper Angela LaScala-Gruenewald expertly denied a number of dangerous Campo offensive attacks.
The 9-6-4 Dons (4-2-3 in DFAL) face Alhambra in another DFAL home match on Friday night.

Saturday January 30, 2010

El Cerrito defeats Girls Soccer team 2-0
The El Cerrito Gauchos shut out the Dons 2-0 on Saturday in a non-DFAL match. The Dons never found a rhythm on offense and surrendered two second half goals. Heading into the last two weeks of the season the Dons have a record of 9-6-3.
Next up is a home match versus Campo on Wednesday night.

Wednesday January 27, 2010

Dons tie Las Lomas 1-1 in Girls Soccer
The Dons scored a tie for the third time in their last four games versus Las Lomas on Wednesday night. The DFAL match was scoreless until midway through the second half. Senior Hayley Winther snuck a pass through two defenders to junior Anja Simonsen who sped up the right sideline and struck a cross to senior Cammie Goodman who muscled in a short-range goal. Minutes later senior goalie Angela LaScala-Gruenewald’s remarkable punch save preserved the lead and seemed to set the stage for a Dons victory. However, with five minutes remaining, the Knights tied the score on a shot in the flow of play. The frustrated Dons were unable to score in the final minutes.
The 9-5-3 Dons face El Cerrito in a home match at noon on Saturday

Saturday January 23, 2010

Girls Soccer team ties undefeated Albany 0-0

The Lady Dons battled undefeated Albany to a 0-0 tie on Saturday afternoon. The Dons had few substitution options as a number of players were sidelined with injuries. The girls showed fortitude against a strong Cougar offense. The Dons’ best scoring chance came on a header by junior Anja Simonsen that hit the top cross bar late in the second half.
The 9-5-2 Dons play Las Lomas in an away DFAL match on Wednesday night

Friday January 15, 2010

Lady Dons Soccer moves into first place tie in DFAL with win over Dublin 
Junior Emily Lindsay led the Dons to their second victory of the year over the Gaels on Friday night. The 2-0 victory moved the Dons into a tie for first place in the DFAL standings with a 4-2-1 record. Lindsay delivered a corner kick to sophomore Callie Goodman, who headed in the Dons’ first goal midway through the second half. Lindsay scored a goal herself later in the half on a sharp assist from junior Katie Barton. The defensive play of senior Rachel Whittom, juniors Schuyler Blee and Amber Fearon, sophomore Annie Beliveau and freshman Natalia Pedder provided senior goalie Angela LaScala-Gruenewald with the support she needed to notch her fourth shutout of the season.

After finals week the 9-5-1 Dons travel to Albany on Saturday January 23rd for a 2:00 p.m. match against the undefeated Cougars.

Wednesday January 13, 2010

Dons salvage a tie with Dougherty Valley in Girls Soccer

Sophomore Annie Beliveau saved the day for the Dons, scoring on a precise direct kick with less than four minutes to go. The goal preserved a 1-1 tie for the Dons in a match between DFAL co-leaders. After a fist half score by the Wildcats, the Dons once again controlled play and created scoring opportunities, but could not score until Beliveau’s late tally.

The 8-5-1 Dons face Dublin in an away match on Friday night

Friday January 8, 2010

Girls Varsity Soccer defeated by Miramonte

The Lady Dons lost to the defending NCS champion 0-2 in a well attended home match on Friday night. The Dons controlled play for much of the game, generated several scoring opportunities, but were unable to find the back of the net. Both of the Mats’ goals were the result of offensive attacks by McKenna DeBack, DFAL player of the year. The Dons are 3-2 in DFAL competition and currently in a four-way tie for first place.
Next Wednesday the Dons travel to Dougherty Valley

Wednesday January 6, 2010

Dons defeat Alhambra 2-1 in Girls Soccer

The Girls Soccer team improved its DFAL record to 3-1 with a victory over Alhambra in Martinez on Wednesday night. Junior Melissa Cameron scored early in the first half on a sharp assist from fellow junior Emily Lindsay. Freshman Kaitlin McGee scored an unassisted goal later in the first half that would prove to be the game deciding tally. The Alhambra squad fought back in the second half, but could only muster one goal late in the final period.

The Dons (8-4 overall) host defending NCS champion Miramonte on Friday night.

Tuesday December 22, 2009

Lady Dons again split their matches on the 2nd Day of Tri-Valley Gold Division Soccer Tournament

Game 3:

On Tuesday the Dons tangled with Berean Christian in the morning game. In very windy conditions the typically stingy Dons faced a surprising 4-0 deficit at halftime. The defense tightened up in the second half and the offense found its rhythm. Junior Emily Lindsay (one goal, two assists) teamed with Becca Bostwick (two goals, one assist) to bring the Dons back to within one goal with ten minutes left. Unable to convert in the final minutes, the game ended with the Dons on the short end of a 4-3 final score.

Game 4:

The final game of the tourney saw the Dons operating at peak performance. The Dons defeated Francis Parker of San Diego 2-1. The Dons demonstrated the diversity of its offense with freshman Claire Winter and Anja Simonsen notching the goals on assists from junior Melissa Cameron and Hayley Winther. The defense, led by junior Schuyler Blee, senior Rachel Whittom, freshman Natalia Pedder, junior Melissa Cameron and senior keeper Angela LaScala-Gruenewald, preserved the victory.

The Dons head into the holiday break with a 7-4 record (DFAL 2-1). The girls return to action on Wednesday January 6th at Alhambra.

Monday December 21, 2009

Lady Dons split games on day one of Tri-Valley Gold Division Soccer Tournament

Game 1:

The Acalanes Girls Soccer team fared well in the competitive Gold Division of the Tri-Valley Classic. In Monday’s first game the Dons played an excellent game against national soccer power Nolan Catholic of Fort Worth Texas, losing 1-0. The Dons created scoring chances but couldn’t convert against a team that was ranked among the nation’s top twenty when the season began.

Game 2:

The Lady Dons continued their strong play in the afternoon game, defeating Hawaii Prep 4-1. Senior Hayley Winther jumpstarted the Dons scoring with two goals, the first on an assist from junior Anja Simonsen and the second unassisted. Freshman Kaitlin McGee demonstrated her skills with an unassisted goal for the Dons’ third tally. Senior Cammie Goodman closed out the scoring on an assist from freshman Becca Bostwick

Friday December 18, 2009

Lady Dons Soccer battle Cougars of Campolindo

The Girls Soccer team lost 1-0 to rival Campolindo on Friday night. The Lady Dons applied pressure throughout the game, generated multiple corner kick opportunities but could not score. Campo scored on a nicely played cross and header. Acalanes travels to Danville over the break to participate in the Gold Division of the Tri-Valley Classic. The 5-2 Dons will face three out of state teams in the showcase tournament.

Wednesday December 16, 2009

Lady Dons Soccer suffers first defeat

The Girls Soccer team lost 4-1 to a strong Amador Valley squad on Wednesday night. Acalanes played well during the first half of the match played on the Pleasanton campus. Senior Hayley Winther scored her first goal of the season in unassisted fashion to tie the score 1-1 before half time. Amador Valley wore down our Dons in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals.

The 5-1 Dons return to the pitch Friday night in what is sure to be an exciting game at rival Campo.

Friday December 11, 2009

Lady Dons Soccer records second straight shutout in DFAL play

The Lady Dons soccer team improved its DFAL record to 2-0 with a 1-0 home victory over Las Lomas on Friday night. The girls fourth game in six days was played in a constant cold rain. Freshman Becca Bostwick scored the only goal of the game on an assist from sophomore Annie Beliveau at the 55 minute mark. Senior goalkeeper Angela LaScala-Gruenewald made one very athletic save to preserve the Dons third shutout of the season.

The Dons (5-0 overall) travel to play Amador Valley next Wednesday at 6:00

Wednesday December 9, 2009

Dons Girls Soccer comes from behind to open DFAL play with a win

The visiting Dublin Gaels took an early 1-0 lead in the DFAL opener for both teams. The Gaels’ lead held through the end of the first half. After the ten-minute break, the Dons emerged from the home locker room with renewed spirit.

At the 51-minute mark junior Anja Simonsen scored an unassisted goal to tie the game. Two minutes later Simonsen fed senior Karina Vitale who scored the Dons second goal. Three minutes after that, Simonsen scored again on a nice assist from junior Melissa Cameron. Senior Cammie Goodman closed out the scoring with an unassisted goal drilled into the Dublin net with 17 minutes left to play. Final score was a 4-1 victory for the Dons.

The undefeated (4-0) Dons take on Las Lomas in another home match on Friday at 6:15

Monday December 7, 2009

Juniors lead Girls Soccer to victory

The Dons improved its record to 3-0 with a 5-2 victory over Concord in a home match played in near freezing conditions on Wednesday night. Junior Anja Simonsen jump-started the Dons, scoring goals in the first minute of play and again five minutes later. Simonsen contributed two assists later in the contest, feeding fellow juniors Emily Lindsay for the Dons third goal and Celina Velasco for the fifth. Freshman Claire Winter’s beautiful unassisted dash though multiple defenders and strong finishing shot accounted for the Dons other tally.

The Dons open DFAL play against  Dublin in a home match on Wednesday night at 6:15

Saturday December 5, 2009

Girls Soccer records second straight shutout

The Dons notched their second win of the year Saturday in Walnut Creek with a 1-0 victory over the Eagles of Berean Christian. Anchored by junior Schuyler Blee, fellow defenders Melissa Cameron, Amber Fearon, Rachel Whittom and goalie Angela LaScala-Gruenewald withstood an aggressive offensive challenge by the Eagles. Senior Cammie Goodman scored the lone Acalanes goal with a crafty one on one move after receiving a throw in from Whittom late in the second half

Wednesday December 2, 2009

Girls Soccer scores 6-0 shutout in home opener

On Wednesday night the Dons opened its season with a 6-0 victory over the Moreau Catholic Mariners in chilly conditions under a beautiful moon. Goals were facilitated by the old (goals by seniors Karina Vitale and Rachel Whittom and an assist by senior Kenna Carlson) and the new (two goals by freshman Claire Winter). Three-year varsity players Anja Simonsen and Celina Velasco, both juniors, also scored. Fourth year starting goalie Angela LaScala-Gruenewald made one very nice save and freshman keeper Brooke Balfrey preserved the shut out with late game goal tending.

On Saturday the Dons travel to Walnut Creek for a 2:30 match versus Berean Christian.

Top of Page

Site Table of Contents    What's New    Sport Team Contents    Gallery   Links

 Driving Directions to Schools    Contra Costa Times Prep Section

 Please send all Sport Team Content to the Webmaster for posting!

    Thanks for visiting the Booster Club Web Site!