Young Players Carry Finley-Blue Girls’ Soccer

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School “Blue” girls’ soccer team wrapped up its season under new head coach Oscar Aguilar Cruz. The squad consisted almost exclusively of seventh graders, who all worked hard and gave their teammates and coach everything they had.

Finley was led by forward Isla Campbell and midfielders Sydney Amar and Juliette Creegan. “Isla is a phenomenal forward and was our top scorer,” the coach said. “She is very confident with the ball and never gave up on getting a goal. She was always aware of her space and was able to fine her space between the defenders.”

The coach referred to Amar as the “heart and soul” of the team. “Sydney never gave up on the ball,” Aguilar Cruz said. “She fought for every ball. She was a box-to-box midfielder. I am looking forward for her to keep progressing next season.”

Creegan made significant contributions, too. “Juliette is a very smart midfielder,” Aguilar Cruz said. “She has confidence to take players one-on-one and composure to find the correct pass.”

The coach said he believes Finley-Blue “had the youngest team out there and I can see us competing against any team next season.”

Finley scored at least one goal in nine-of-ten games and lost two games by one goal. “This group of girls is very coachable; always looking for a way to improve,” Aguilar Cruz said. “In the middle of the season we started a tradition to talk about what we’ve been doing wrong and how we can improve on the game. The scores many not have come our way this year, but these girls will be big trouble for opponents next year.”

There were only three eighth graders on the roster. “I am expected to be able to compete against any team next year,” Aguilar Cruz said. “We have many returning players who will have experience against our opponents. This was my first season coaching at the school level and I learned a lot about how our opponents play. I think next year we can be very successful.”