By Kyle LoJacono
The Steinbrenner girls soccer team defeated Robinson Nov. 30 at home 4-0 without nine starters.
Many of the Warriors (4-4) were in Georgia or North Carolina for showcase tournaments. Mix in several injuries and first-year Steinbrenner coach Angela Gillisse had only 12 players for the contest.
Gillisse said the game had more importance than a normal nondistrict matchup in November because the Warriors had lost four of their last five going into the contest, all by one goal. To add to the pressure for a turnaround, Steinbrenner plays two Class 4A-District 8 opponents this week.
“This was a game that we really, really needed to win,” Gillisse said. “I just told them to play their game and be comfortable and confident out there. … It was huge for their confidence being down those starters and after those losses going into the Thanksgiving break. It was really neat for the girls who were away too because they were texting us the whole time trying to find out what the score was. They were excited to hear we won and for the girls who had to step in.”
The only regular starters who played for the Warriors were junior defender Megan Haraschak and senior forward Alexis Bredeau, who had two goals to increase the team-leading total to 11.
“I told Alexis that this was on her back,” Gillisse said. “She had to step up, and she played really well. … Alexis had her best game of the season. She had a beautiful header off a corner kick from Megan. My two starters really held the team together and did what we needed. Our defense was unbelievable. Megan was so solid back there.”
The game also marked the return for junior Miranda Gonzalez, who missed the first seven games this season with a torn hamstring. The University of Tampa commit is usually a defender, but she played forward against Robinson.
“I couldn’t even tell you the last time I played up top,” Gonzalez said. She added, “It was kind of the plan because she didn’t want me to have to run too much on defense or make too many tackles.”
Gillisse said it was good to see Gonzalez on the field for the first time.
“I think she was feeling like she wasn’t a part of the team and contributing,” Gillisse said. “She was exactly what this team needed.”
Gonzalez subbed in before the first water break and stayed in for most of the first half and part of the second before experiencing some calf cramping.
“I haven’t played in awhile, so I wasn’t used to it,” Gonzalez said. She added, “My hamstring was OK, and that gave me confidence that I’m healing, finally, and am going to be back soon. It was awesome.”
The Warriors got on the scoreboard when Synthia Ritchie scored off an assist from Michaela Jones before the first water break. The freshman is Steinbrenner’s third-string goalkeeper, but she was forced to play in the field because of how many people were gone.
Senior goalkeeper Eleanor Wilson made two saves to record the shutout.
The Warriors host Gaither Dec. 4 before traveling to Sickles Dec. 7. Both district matchups start at 6 p.m.
—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker
