The Ransom Everglades Raiders won their first game of the season against Gulliver Prep. on Senior Day January 8, 3-0.  After many conversations about working hard during practice and renewed dedication to being the best team we can be, the girls JV put forth their best effort on Saturday.  Each part of the team: defense, midfield, offense won their portion of the field contributing to a comprehensive team win.  The girls were patient with the ball finding space and therefore time to connect passes and work the ball down the field deliberately.  They were able to do this regularly throughout the game.

Nina Gumbs ‘24 started the scoring in the 12th minute by putting in a low shot after a scramble in front of goal following a corner kick.  Eight minutes later Ale Leiser ‘25 blocked a Gulliver clearing attempt then tracked down the ball while everyone else stopped thinking it was going out of bounds.  She controlled the ball, looked up, dribbled by one defender and found Jess Weinstein ‘22 inside the six yard box for a tap in goal.  With 7 minutes remaining in the half, Ale Leiser ‘25 lofted a free kick into the path of Carolina Hommen ‘24 who knocked the ball sideways to Carli Bogle ‘24 who shot with her first touch.  The goalie partially blocked the shot but could not prevent the goal.  The scoreline at halftime was 3-0 Ransom Everglades on top.

The defense also played well by staying tight to their players, constantly harassing Gulliver’s offensive efforts.  As a result the team allowed few shots and only one legitimate goal scoring opportunity all game.  Paisley Verea ‘22 and Kati Ortega ‘22 lead the defense as usual. Paisley Verea ‘22 asserted herself winning the ball many times then dribbling forward to start the offense.  Kati Ortega ‘22 made a great save on a low hard shot to her right, Gulliver’s only scoring opportunity, to protect the 2-0 lead at the time. Being able to make a highlight reel save after not much previous action is among the toughest and most important things a goalkeeper does in a game. 

The second half continued with the RE Raiders controlling the ball and keeping it in the offensive half most of the time.  Many scoring opportunities were created but none were converted.  The best two opportunities occurred when Nina Gumbs ‘24 hit the post from close range and Mimi Angelli ‘22 was fouled to prevent another close range shot.  This should have been a penalty kick.  The win was the team’s first for the season and released a lot of positive emotion after two months of practice finally paid off.  At the final whistle the players on the bench rushed out to celebrate with their teammates in a group hug on the field.  

That the performance and convincing win came in the senior game really made the day extra special.  All the joy and positive feeling was released again as the team celebrated our six seniors: Mimi Angelli ‘22, Yara Haddad ‘22, Alessia Mantilla ‘22, Kati Ortega ‘22 (co-capt.), Paisley Verea ‘22 and Jess Weinstein ‘22 (co-capt.) afterwards on the senior deck.  

Thank you to these six girls and their families for the dedication and support they have shown to Ransom Everglades soccer over the last couple of years.  You will be missed!  We wish you the best of luck in the next chapter of your lives.

For those interested in re-watching the game ( I have) here is the link.

The goal now is to carry this momentum through the last week of the season and end on a positive note.  Our next game is on Thursday at Carrollton 4pm.  Our last game is Sat. Jan. 15 at home against St. Brendan’s 10am.  Lets Go Raiders!