Varsity soccer concludes historic season, loses in CIF playoffs

By Cybele Zhang, Editor-in-Chief|February 25, 2018

Varsity soccer co-captains Jenna Marks ’19, Caitlin Mosch ’18 and Ruby Colby ’19 pose at Santa Monica College. SMC serves as Archer’s home field. Image courtesy of Mosch.

Never before had an Archer soccer team gone undefeated in league play, but that all changed this winter season.

For the first time in Panther history, varsity soccer closed out their season 10-0 in the Liberty League, winning the league title for the third consecutive year.

The players then moved on to the opening round of CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs where they faced Pomona Catholic High School at Santa Monica College, Archer’s home field.

“I was so amped up going in,” co-captain Caitlin Mosch ’18 said. “In the beginning of the game, I thought we had it. But as soon as they got their second goal in the last ten minutes, I knew that my team was crushed and wasn’t going to be able to push through.”

The Panthers lost 2-0, ending a ten game winning streak and their record-breaking season.

“Despite my desire to cry because my soccer career was over after playing since I was four, I knew that my team needed me as a leader in that moment,” Mosch said. “So I kept telling the girls to keep their heads up and to keep playing, but as soon as the whistle blew I collapsed and bawled.”

Soccer coach Amelia Mathis and Mosch pose for a selfie. Mathis is also the Senior Class Dean. Image courtesy of Mosch.

Mosch is the only senior on the soccer team this year.

“I was so sad, but I was so happy that it happened and that I got to play with these girls,” she said. “They were there for me in that moment and I felt so loved.”

Archer finished the season with a 12-5 overall record.

“I know it’s just the beginning for this team. They are so young and have so much potential. I’m proud that I was part of the start,” Mosch said. “Being a senior is sad because it’s the end of the best part of my life, but I have no regrets.”