Sticking together

By Kenneth Wong
Staff Writer

In his third year as a soccer coach at Hercules High School, Head Coach Chris Rogers is coming into the season with high expectations for the Lady Titans varsity squad.

“I think we can win 10 games,” said Rogers, “that would be the best ever in Hercules.”

With key players stepping up like midfielders Kristina Hargreaves and Chelsea Sanchez, defender Rebecca Rogers, striker Lindsey Mahley and keeper Samantha Maldonaldo, the win total could be achieved.

“We got a lot better than last year.” said Sanchez, “Our returning players improved. We have a better chance this year to makethe playoffs.”

Last season, the Lady Titans ended with 8-9-3, the best mark in school history.

“Compared to last year, we are a lot deeper and have more players coming off the bench,” said Coach Rogers, “Our midfield is very strong and our defense is smarter.”

Along with a deep bench, the current Titans contingent has many strengths including a solid defense, skilled strikers and, as Rogers emphasized, "plenty of determination and character."

However, the team still has a few weaknesses. Their ball skills and intelligence during the course of the game are two factors keeping them from reaching their complete potential according to Rogers.

After three games Hercules is 1-2, losing 1-0 to Alameda, owning De Anza 4-2 and then losing to El Cerrito.

The De Anza game was obviously their best. Mahley had two goals and an assist while Sanchez and Jessica Martinez each added a point. Kristina Hargreaves and Ariane Sanchez both had assists.

“We had a very aggressive attack. We took lots of shots and the defense played very well,” said Rogers, “but we didn’t finish that well.”

Coach Rogers' goals are becoming closer to reality. They include beating rival Pinole Valley twice, making North Coast Section for the first time in school history, and finishing in the top four teams of the Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League.

“If we keep on working hard and stick together as a team we have a really good chance to make NCS,” said freshman Yueming Wang when asked about the Lady Titan’s playoff chances.

The Titans have 11 games left. They had a home match against Encinal Dec. 13, and then do not play another league opponent until Tuesday, Jan. 8. They will be hosting the Berkeley Yellowjackets the day after school convines from winter recess.

"These league games are vital and we need to continue to play better to bring us closer to our goals," said Coach Rogers.