The Girls Varsity Soccer team is off to a blistering start, boasting an overall record of 7-2 and remaining undefeated in district play with an impressive record of 4-0 while holding sole possession of first place in the National District.
“Leadership on the team from the seniors helps make all the learning processes and changes run smoothly,” said Head Coach Jake Vaughn. “We have a good leadership group where my players take ownership.”
The leading cause backing the Atoms early success is their stifling defense. Not only have the Atoms won 6 straight, but they’ve also kept the back of the net clean with 5 straight clean sheets. It’s pretty hard to lose when you don’t allow any goals. The Atoms aren’t just winning consistently, they’re blowing their competition out of the water with a remarkable goal differential of 23 during their 6 game win streak.
“We have good team chemistry within our backline,” said Senior Jaslen Pinto. “We’re able to communicate well throughout the games.”
Paired with their great defense, the Atoms also own a formidable offensive attack. Leading goal contributor and Senior Erin Hanlen has found the back of the net 12 times and assisted her teammates 6 times.
Hanlen’s versatility from playing both winger but also center back for the Atoms have vastly improved her anticipation when it comes to finding soft spots within the opposing defense.
“I’ve been playing defense for so long I know where the defenders are going to be,” said Senior captain Erin Hanlen. “It helps me on offense to move and get the ball.”
Striker Melanie Decareau has been a keeper’s nightmare with her blazing speed and unselfish style of play propelling her to an impressive 10 goals and 3 assists.
“My goal contributions are a reflection of the whole team,” said Melanie Decareau. “Our team has been able to move the ball through the midfield while maintaining a strong defense, giving me tons of opportunities to score goals.”
Despite a very strong start to the season and the traditional success on the soccer pitch, Coach Vaughn still harps on his players for the occasional lack of effort, attention to detail, and communication errors.
“I know them [the players] well enough and we have an environment where everyone holds each other accountable,” said Coach Vaughn. “We have a good balance but we also get after each other to get better at the same time.”
“As a team I think we need to talk to each more to stay connected throughout the entire field,” said Decareau.
With an experienced team led by a former National District Coach of the Year who truly knows his players, the Atoms are looking to continue their National District dominance. Lots of success in the seasons prior have helped Coach Vaughn build a public school powerhouse in the heart of Northern Virginia. The goal is not only a National District regular season first place finish, but also a championship. After that, a deep run in the Occoquan Region playoffs is next up on the docket for our girls.
