Flintridge Prep girls’ soccer earns tie with Bishop Amat
LA CAÑADA — One thing is clear about the talented Flintridge Prep girls’ soccer team — it’s not shy playing top-flight opponents across the CIF Southern Section.
Flintridge Prep enjoyed a fantastic campaign last season, winning the Prep League title before advancing to the CIF Southern Section Division III semifinals and the semifinals in the CIF Southern California Regional Division III playoffs.
In looking to take the next step, Flintridge Prep set up a difficult nonleague schedule to get it prepared for league and the postseason.
Flintridge Prep had another tough foe in Bishop Amat and came away with a 2-2 tie at home Tuesday night.
“We’ve been playing so many quality teams and we’re learning about ourselves,” said Flintridge Prep coach Esteban Chavez, the reigning All-Area Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year. “Our record might not look good right now, but we’ve played teams like Sierra Canyon, Mater Dei, Harvard-Weslake, Los Alamitos and now Bishop Amat and we’re holding our own.
“It will definitely get us ready for league and the playoffs. We’re seeing results and we just keep on learning.”
Flintridge Prep (2-4-1) got one goal apiece from Jenna Mijares and Julia Gonzalez, a former All-Area Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year. The Rebels competed without starters Helen Schaefer, Yasmeen White and Natalie Brown for undisclosed health reasons. Schaefer, who scored 31 goals last season en route to being selected the All-Area Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year, hasn’t played yet this season.
Flintridge Prep, ranked No. 4 in Division III behind Sierra Canyon, Peninsula and Mayfair, took a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute on a goal by Mijares off an assist from Mikaela Celeste.
Bishop Amat (1-3-1), which reached the Division III semifinals last year and the opening round of the Southern California Regional Division III playoffs, tied it on a goal by Malia Cerdon in the 46th minute.
Gonzalez, who had 31 goals last season, gave the Rebels a 2-1 lead in the 48th minute after an assist from Celeste.
Bishop Amat closed out the scoring on a goal by Alex Jaquez that went under the crossbar in the 74th minute.
“I thought we played a very good game against an excellent team tonight,” Gonzalez said. “When you look at our schedule, it can be a little bit intimidating at first.
“We do have a young team and some key injuries, but we’ve been hanging in there and playing well. It will give us a confidence boost. We’ll be prepared for league.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
