Wednesday night, Feb. 12, the Santiago Girls’ Varsity Soccer team played Norco High School for their final game in the soccer season.

Before the game had commenced, coaches from Norco and Santiago both agreed to let Santiago’s injured player, Kiana Perez (12), kick the ball out of bounds in order to earn her varsity letter.  Perez was unable to play for the entire season due of her knee injury, and therefore could not earn her varsity letter unless she participated in at least one game.

“I think it was really amazing and sweet that they let Kiana do that. I felt bad for her and I didn’t know if she would be able to receive her letter or not,” said Monica Garcia (9).

In the first half, Norco had many shots on goal and many fouls were called against Santiago.  One of the fouls was called on SHS player Bri Sweeney (12), for kicking one of the opposing team’s players in the ankle.  The Norco player had to be carried off the field, and the game continued.

The first goal of the second half was scored by Alyssa Alvarez (11) of the Sharks.  The play was started by SHS goalie, Paige Simoneau (11) when she punted the ball down the field, all the way to the 30 yard line.  The ball bounced over Alvarez’s head, she followed it to the goal, and tapped it in with her head.

For the remaining time left in the game, Santiago managed to keep the ball on Norco’s side of the field, and save the few shots taken on their goal.

“I think the game was very physical and intense but we played really good,” Peju Olalere (9).

The game concluded with a 1-0 win for the Sharks, and a promising CIF season.