“We’re going to leave it all on the pitch and we’re going to do our best… We’re going to be Buena,” senior number 13 and team captain Kimberly Chavarria said.
On Fri. Jan. 17, Buena girls soccer played their second rivalry game of the season, defeating a tough Ventura High School 2-1 in a close match up. This victory secured their sixth league win of the season and maintained their first place spot in the Channel league 6-0-2 league (8-6-2 overall).
Going into the game, the energy was buzzing, hopes were high and the team was ready for another win. Two days prior, Buena took a major win against Oxnard High School, which propelled them to first place in the league.
“I feel like beating [Oxnard] and advancing from [that game] really helped with our overall energy and confidence to keep pursuing these victories,” junior and number 15 Mia Martinez said.
The bulldogs kicked off, their chemistry flowing as they fired several close shots at the Cougar’s goal. Buena’s stadium, packed with students and families from both schools, cheered in encouragement as the Cougar’s
began to increase their defense. In response, Ventura pressured the Buena defense, leaving it up to junior goalie Brenn Emmel-Lewey to protect the goal, making her first of five saves within the game.
With the return of a key offensive player, junior and number 23 Tatiana Padilla, who had recently recovered from a leg injury, the Bulldogs were able to boost their rhythm and began moving the ball up the field.
“It’s really great to be back, especially the [with the] anticipation after sitting out for three games,” Padilla said.
Both teams played fiercely, with both defences giving it their all . It was not until the latter of the first half when the scoreboard lit up after a corner kick goal by Padilla, ending the half 1-0, Buena.
With the start of the second half, both teams prepared to compete even harder, the rivalry pressure increasing the stakes. Buena had some attempts but was denied by Ventura’s goalie. Ventura was able to score their only goal of the game by a free kick, tying the game up 1-1.
Although Buena gave up a goal, the team did not stress, answering quickly with a goal by sophomore and number 17 Olivia Barajas, assisted by Padilla off of another corner kick.
From this point on, Buena held down Ventura’s offense, keeping them at bay until the final minutes of the game. In a turn of events, a penalty was called on Buena’s senior 13 Kimberly Chavarria while in the box. Although Ventura would have earned a free kick and goal from this call, the referees ruled for an overturn, securing the Bulldog’s victory.
The stands erupted in a mixture of cheers and boos — one side cheering in triumph, while the other expressed frustration at the referees. Despite this intensity, Buena was able to show great sportsmanship after the game, shaking hands with the opposing team and celebrating their hard-earned victory.
“They just really want it. They’re super passionate. And I just think that overall they just bring it.” head coach Trisha Butterbaugh said.
