The Malibu High School girls’ soccer team has started off another season with an impressive record. The varsity team is now 3-0, with 2 shutouts. Competing in three games in four days, the girls started off the preseason with a win over Milken by a score of 2-1, with junior Catherine Calvert scoring both goals. Senior Cheynna Bard suffered a broken finger and broken bone in her hand during the game, and is now sidelined indefinitely.
The girls had one day off, then hosted Pacifica. Freshmen Brittany Saul and Caitlyn Madden made a huge impact in Malibu’s first home game. Madden has stepped up big, filling in at the sweeper position, while starter Jenny Levine is out sick. Malibu played mature and smart, running all over its opponent toward a 5-0 win. Saul scored three goals in what was her first game with the team. On Friday, the team played at Campbell Hall, and won in the last minute of play with a Calvert goal.
Captains Megan Zweig and Calvert lead the team. Zweig, the only other senior, has dropped back from her usual outside midfield position to play stopper. Calvert and Breana Cowart, the goalie, are the team’s only club players. Cowart’s competitiveness and physical ability have helped the team earn two shutouts and only allow one goal in three games. Calvert and Eva Post run Malibu’s midfield. Their aggressive and smart ball playing have helped a young Malibu squad. Lyndsay Pieper is playing up top with Saul, making for a deadly combination and wreaking havoc on opponent’s back lines. Both girls have created numerous opportunities for themselves and one another. Rosie Stutsman and Becky Pieper have been the starting outside fullbacks, and helping to limit their opponents to only a few shots per game.
The team plays its final home game before the holidays on Dec. 17 when it hosts La Reina at 3 p.m.