On the chilly night of Jan. 28, 2025, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls soccer team prepared to go up against Bishop Diego High School (Bishop Diego). Earlier that night the Dragons celebrated their seniors, sharing a few anecdotes under the lights of Ventura College Sportsplex (VC). After celebrating their seniors, Foothill Tech got down to business securing a 1-0 win after a stress-induced battle for control. The family and friends of the senior Dragons celebrated the win, cheering from the stands, hoping for a chance to play in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) postseason.
The Dragons began the match with kick-off quickly moving to their opponent’s side of the field. The chemistry on the team was crystal clear as they kept Bishop moving constantly, spreading out their passes and creating space on the field. Siena Meter ‘26 was seen running up to goal, waiting eagerly for a pass to make a goal multiple times throughout the match. However, Bishop Diego’s defensive skills kept the Dragons in check. After a few minutes into the game the score was still 0-0, but the fight for possession was obvious on the field. Even when the ball began to linger toward Foothill Tech’s goal, Belen Buxton ‘27 was quick to take control of the situation and send the ball back up the field.
After the match, Coach Kevin Fitzgerald spoke about the match, saying, “We had good energy, good connection, and we’ve always got an organized defense so that was not ever a concern.” Although this is the first year that Fitzgerald is coaching at Foothill Tech, he spoke on his precious time coaching the graduating seniors, saying that, “It’s sad. It goes by too quickly. It’s a compact season, with a lot of games very quickly. It’s a good group, though.”
Later in the game, multiple throw-ins by Shea Stevenson ‘26 were almost carried to goal by Maddie Wicks ‘26, however, the Bishop Diego goalie was quick on her feet, making impressive saves throughout the match. There seemed to be no openings in the Dragon’s defense as they plucked the ball from Bishop Diego’s fingers again and again. The back-and-forth struggle to find weaknesses continued through the half, pausing for half-time still at 0-0.
Daniel Yi ’27, a student at Foothill Tech, commented on the match after the ending point, “I was really interested in the game. I’m not really into soccer, but this game really caught my attention, and I really like all the play from everyone”.
When the whistle was blown to signal the start of the second half, the Dragons came onto the field with a newfound confident energy. Even though Bishop Diego took the kickoff, the Dragons were quick to take possession of the ball, starting the match just as they did previously and making space to have optimal control. It was clear to the crowd that these teams were equally matched in their skills.
At the 25-minute mark, striker Alinah Rodriguez ‘27 took advantage of any defensive holes she could find, passing the ball off to Stevenson to hopefully score a goal. However, the Bishop Diego goalie caught the shot, resetting the ball. Even though Foothill Tech made multiple failed shots throughout the second half it only proved they had a chance to win.
A few corner kicks took the ball even closer to the goal, making it easier for the Dragons to make a point. Finally, with one final push, Abigail Verboomen ‘28 scored a goal, giving Foothill Tech the lead with only a few minutes remaining. Even though Bishop Diego fought fiercely, using multiple maneuvers to try and buy time with throw-ins and complex passing systems, the match ended at 1-0 with a roar of cheering coming from Foothill Tech’s stands.
Afterward, the Dragons thanked their opponents and huddled up to share some words with their coach and their teammates. In retrospect, Abby Shlegel ‘25 shared her emotions about being a senior on the team and her experience being a part of the soccer program at Foothill Tech, saying, “It’s really sad. Being here for four years and playing the game that I’ve played for so long, and having one last game left, it’s really sad. But, I’m glad that I was able to play and am thankful for my teammates.”
The team’s last match was on Jan. 29, 2025, where they lost against St. Bonaventure High School (St. Bonnie). The team currently stands at fourth in the Tri-Valley League with an overall record of 4-9-2. However, it is unclear whether or not the Dragons will be going to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) winter playoffs, but even if they do not progress, the season was one to look back on with pride and fondness.
