Cali Girl's High School Preview: Dragons and Lancers D1 Favorites

It's that time of year as High School Soccer Season is in its infancy and now that the last Girl's Academy/ECNL Showcases have taken place all the top players are now getting ready to begin their High School campaigns here in California. I urge parents and players to embrace high school soccer a little bit more. I am constantly on the phone trying to convince kids and parents to play for their schools. There is nothing like high school soccer. Is the quality as good as an ECNL or Girl's Academy team no. However, the bonds created and the enjoyment of competing for your school to me is unmatched. It gives players the ability to play new positions, try new things and play a little more free than the structure of club soccer.   The St. Francis Lancers had a historical season last year as they won the treble for the second time in the last 3 seasons only losing one game to Archbishop Mitty early on in the season. Even more impressive for the Lancers is they only lost 4 seniors from last season and are returning most of their core to their squad this year. It starts at the back for the Lancers as they have two excellent Goalkeepers entering their Sophomore seasons. Annaliese Braun and [player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy'] will either be splitting or competing for time this season. Having two great goalkeepers is a huge advantage for the Lancers as they will push each other to get better and provides this talented squad with depth in the most important position to have it. In front of them is one of the best center backs in the country in [player_tooltip player_id='199889' first='Tori' last='Williams']. The MVLA talent has everything that a top center back requires to be successful. She's tall, fast, technical and excellent with the ball at her feet. In Midfield the Lancers have a an exceptional trio that have the ability to dictate tempo throughout the season in sensational Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='187366' first='Kiyomi' last='Yoshimura'], Junior Miliani Makasimi and Senior [player_tooltip player_id='20049' first='Penelope' last='Correa']. Correa is committed to St Mary's, Yoshimura is a youth national team talent who is establishing herself as one of the top attacking midfielders in the country, while Makasimi will be headed to the University of Kentucky in 2027. You have to assume that the Lancers will pick up Freshmen contributors as well that will make their mark on this team moving forward. This team has the talent and experience to make yet another historical run this season.   In the Lancers way this season is what to me as one of, if not the most talented High School rosters that has ever been assembled in the Bishop O'Dowd Dragons out of Oakland. Last season they made it all the way to the D1 Norcal State Semi-Finals losing on PK's to Archbishop Mitty. This team is LOADED with talent that would rival a top ECNL Club. Even more scary for the opposition is the Dragons did not lose a single starter from last season while also adding the #1 ranked 2029 player in California in attacking phenomenon [player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel']. A little different to the Lancers it starts up front for the Dragons. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='289538' first='Chloe' last='Keating'] and [player_tooltip player_id='111260' first='Abby' last='Forsgren'] lead the line this season. If last year is any indication of what's to come this season they could have 50 goal contributions each. Keating is headed to UC Davis and Forsgren is headed to Memphis. On the wing one of the best athletes in the 2028 class [player_tooltip player_id='268395' first='Paloma' last='John-Baptiste'] is back and ready to terrorize opposition. She was impressive her freshmen year and will look to be even better this year. A very strong midfield trio of their own will feature Kiana Lee Olson, [player_tooltip player_id='186203' first='Katelyn' last='Wong'], and [player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel']. Wong is an excellent ball winner, Olson is an excellent facilitator/free kick taker, and Siedel is an excellent dribbler/finisher. These 3 compliment each other very well and all I can say is good luck to any team trying to play through this midfield three. The Dragons back line will be anchored by Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='268387' first='Ana' last='Pintard'] whom will have the responsibility of starting most attacks for this team. Her ability to quarterback the offense will be crucial to the Dragons success.   There are talented rosters throughout Northern California. But these two teams seem to be on a collision course to a D1 Norcal State Championship. I am looking forward to covering these two teams throughout the season as well as others. Let the fun begin!

It's that time of year as High School Soccer Season is in its infancy and now that the last Girl's Academy/ECNL Showcases have taken place all the top players are now getting ready to begin their High School campaigns here in California. I urge parents and players to embrace high school soccer a little bit more. I am constantly on the phone trying to convince kids and parents to play for their schools. There is nothing like high school soccer. Is the quality as good as an ECNL or Girl's Academy team no. However, the bonds created and the enjoyment of competing for your school to me is unmatched. It gives players the ability to play new positions, try new things and play a little more free than the structure of club soccer.