Girls’ Soccer Team Edges Closer to the Top

by Colleen Yates ’18

When judging by goal differential, the girls’ varsity soccer team is having a very good season. A closer look, however, reveals that 29 of the team’s 34 goals were scored in blowout games against Wheaton, Paint Branch, Northwood, and Springbrook. Those four games also account for every one of the Warriors’ victories. With a 4-6-1 record, the team is aiming for a more signature win against one of the traditionally stronger girls’ soccer programs in Montgomery County.

The Warriors came close to such a result in 1-0 loss to Quince Orchard last Thursday night. The Cougars did not score their goal until the 70th minutes in a game that was mostly controlled by the Warriors.

“They scored a lucky goal and afterward we kept up high intensity. The score is not a reflection of how the majority of the game went,” explained senior captain Heather Chidel.

The Warriors were again unable to achieve a win, losing just 2-1 to Magruder on Monday night. The teams were tied 1-1 at the half with a goal from freshman Grace Fullmer, but the Colonels scored on a long range volley to take the lead early in the second half.

“We fought hard but they played with more aggression.” said junior starting forward Amira Idriss. “We tried our best to score but weren’t able to finish our opportunities. We are looking forward to a close match against Damascus.”

The Warriors’ better run of form over the past month reflects some tactical changes the team has undergone. “We had trouble scoring goals early on, so I made a bunch of changes to the line-up. We have moved different players up top as strikers, slid some defenders into the midfield and changed up the game formation where we play either a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 depending on the team we are playing.” said Coach Lewis Schrumm, who is new this year.

The Warriors have one more opportunity for a close win when they go on the road tonight to face Damascus at 5:15 p.m. While not an elite team in Montgomery County, Damascus has a better record than Sherwood and has played tougher competition throughout the season. A win in the final game of the regular season would be a great confidence-booster as the Warriors then turn their attention to the playoffs.

“This is a great group of girls who work extremely hard each day at practice, and I think it really shows at game time.” added Schrumm.