Lady Vikes succeed in stateplay-offs

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After winning the state playoffs against Wilson High School on March 5, the girls varsity soccer team rushes to the goal to celebrate their accomplishment. Kelsey Aparicio, 12, made the last goal against Wilson High School advancing the team to the second round of state playoffs.

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2013

After a long and nerve-wracking game, girls varsity soccer took the lead against Wilson High during overtime penalty kicks with a final score of 4-3 on Tuesday, March 5 at the Allen Lane Stadium. For the back-to-back CIF championships this is just another chance at making it to the State finals.

An anxious crowd arrived promptly before 4:00 p.m. to support the athletes in the first round of state play-offs. After falling behind at the same time last year, the Lady Vikings were anxious to prove themselves. With Wilson a top seeded team, Downey had to keep their mid-field on high defense in order to keep Wilson out of the way and meet their goal

“This is the most consistent game the girls have played,” Coach Rachel Godfrey said. “The way they played today is all the motivation they need for the next game.”

The girls kept their defense high throughout the game, forcing Wilson out of their box for most of the game. Downey’s offense pushed toward the offender’s goal at every chance they got. Though several penalty kicks and corner kicks were played out throughout the game by both sides, neithßer team was able to get past the goalkeeper. Fans in the stands often called out the referee, accusing him of false fouls, but this did not faze Downey’s hard work and determination.

“We were the underdogs, so we had nothing to loose,” mid-field Elizabeth Ham, 12, said. “We really had to give it our all.”

The last ten minutes were agonizing for the crowd and the team as they witnessed several failed-goals after another. Teammates jumped and screamed in anticipation every time the offensive came near the net, however the scoreboard remained unchanged, even after the 15-minute over time.

The teams lined up mid-field for penalty kicks as night fell on the field. Goalie Adriana Salazar, 12, prepared herself for the opponent.

“I’ve been through this many times” Salazar said. “I have a little strategy which I try to do and it seems to work. I just try my best to keep my composure.”

With the score 3-3 senior, Kelsey Aparicio scored the final penalty kick, eliminating Wilson and giving the Vikes another shot at victory. With the mental stress out of the way, the girls know that keeping their game where it is will help them be successful in the future.

“It’s going to be more physical stress so we’re going to take it light tomorrow [during practice],” Godfrey said.

At the second round of play-offs on Thursday, March 7 at El Camino Real High School the girls came short 1-0, pulling them out of state but still leaving them with a second consecutive CIF Championship.

About the Contributors

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground.

While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray.

Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.

Amanda Lira, Photographer/Photo Editor

Among the returning members of The Downey Legend is Amanda Lira, who had personal motives to join the online newspaper. Lira who currently holds the position of Photo Editor was in junior high when she began to take an interest in photography and decided her dream was to work for a magazine. However, as time passed her gears began to shift toward medicine; but in spite of that, she never lost her passion for photography. “I joined ROP for sports medicine; my goal is to be in Skills USA this year,” Lira said. “I also decided to return to newspaper to meet new people and to feel like a part of something; we are like a little family.” Lira’s current dream is to attend San Francisco State and major in physical therapy.

Aside from photography and medicine, Lira enjoys going to the beach with her cousin Lupe and watching Johnny Depp and Bradley Cooper movies. Lira’s aspirations have guided her decisions, from choosing to apply for newspaper, and taking ROP sports medicine. “I think it’s a big achievement¾becoming Photo Editor, and this year I plan on giving it everything,” Lira said. “It’s my senior year and the first step to getting where I want to be.”