The girls await CIF qualification, to be determined by Spartans

Brendan Perry: Staff Writer

After an injury-plagued season, the girls soccer heads into their final league game in third place, fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

South Pasadena is coming off a disappointing loss to Monrovia, 0-1, a team they beat the previous week 2-1. This upset puts South Pasadena in a tough spot, as they head into their final league game against first-place San Marino. The Tigers (5-4) can secure a spot in the playoffs with a win over the top-ranked Titans. However, if they lose, Monrovia will have the opportunity to capture the last playoff spot with a win over second-place La Cañada.

At the beginning of the season, most people did not expect the Tigers to wind up in the difficult spot that they are in now, but injuries have weighed down the talented team. The Tigers lost all-league junior forward Tara Aalem to a torn ACL and a broken kneecap in the first game of the season. Returning varsity midfielder, junior Alex Nomura, also suffered a season-ending injury. Nomura tore a ligament in her shin on February 1st against Monrovia, putting her on crutches. The Tigers won the game but lost a valuable player. Both players have had successful surgeries performed on their legs, and should be ready to play next season.

“We had high hopes for our season, but after a couple surgeries, shin splints, bad ankles, and pulled muscles, we fell short of reaching our initial goal. But we have worked hard all season despite the injuries, and I hope we get rewarded with a playoff spot after all the hard work and blood we put in,” said junior midfielder Carson Guzowski.
Although San Marino has proven themselves a strong team this season, the Tigers feel confident they can defeat the Titans.

Freshman forward Jessica Moog said, “I think we are more motivated than ever before, and I hope that will be enough to win our final game and give us the confidence to do well in playoffs.”