Following their first championship ever last season, the Venice High School girls varsity soccer team is determined to do win it all once again this year. 

The Gondoliers were off to a hot start, winning their first five games. Among those were shut out wins against Roosevelt, Bright Star, and Maywood Academy. The 1-0 win over Maywood was a rematch of last year’s championship.

“We’re starting off our season really good,” said senior Marissa Ramirez. “Because the team as a whole is improving every day.”  

The Gondoliers opened league play with a 4-1 defeat over Fairfax. Unfortunately, their winning streak came to an end with a 3-0 loss to Palisades High School. And in the following game, the Gondoliers were tied with Wilson High School 1-1. But this doesn’t stop their confidence of winning the championship once again. 

“I am optimistic that we can do it again this year,” said junior player Madeleine Gerson. “In past years, the coaching wasn’t as good and we weren’t as dedicated as we should’ve been. But with our new coach, girls soccer became more organized and well-known.” 

Coach Chaka Forman is back for his second year as the team’s head coach. According to the players, he was a key to the team’s success last year.

“We have a talented team a group of girls who believe in each other.” said Coach Forman. “The power of our togetherness as a Soccer tribe is strong and vibrant. A large part of success involves putting aside our individual needs for the team goals. ” 

Coach Forman also pointed out that the girls are hard working and are developing a love for each, and understand the effort required to be a top tier team. In addition, he didn’t want to discuss the future and wants to instead stay focused on the team can control. Forman believes that if they focus their attention on the immediate details, the future will take care of itself. 

“We are a building culture with high expectations.” said Forman. “Everyone underestimates Venice soccer and that is to our advantage. Sometimes you don’t see the train coming until it runs by you, over you, or through you. We are fine as underdogs. We believe in ourselves and that’s all that we can control.” 

Other players on the team aren’t overconfident, but they see a good chance of winning the championship once again. 

“I think that we have a pretty good chance,” said fellow junior player Tiffany Sun. “We learned to work well together, got a new and better coach, and are more dedicated.” 

The Gondoliers look to defend their home field against Hamilton on Dec. 11, 2019.