Girls soccer wins their third round CIF

Sophia Vaughn

Staff Writer

The Mira Costa Mustangs managed to keep their playoff hopes alive with a close 3-2 victory over the Moorpark Musketeers in the third round of the California Interscholastic Federation Playoffs.

The Mustangs went up against the Musketeers at Moorpark High School on February 12th. Junior Ashley Stepczyk lead the Mustangs, scoring two of Costa’s three goals. Costa’s control on offense contributed to the win, but the Mustangs also could have capitalized on more opportunities, sophomore center-midfielder Rachel Fox said.

“We could improve on finishing all of our chances, “ Fox said.

The game started off strong for the Mustangs, and despite a powerhouse Moorpark defense, Stepczyk still managed to push past the Musketeers for the first goal of the night. Stepczyk again drove towards the goal, scoring again for Costa, closing out the half with a 2-0 lead. A dynamic Costa offense kept Costa in charge of the ball for most of the half, senior halfback Ava Van’t Hof said.

“I think we created a lot of chances and had possession in their half for a majority of the game, “ Van’t Hof said.

The Musketeers came back fighting in the second half, however, and managed to put their first points on the board. The Mustangs regained control of the ball, however, and quickly answered when freshman Ellie Weissenberg propelled the ball to the goal, making the score 3-1. Despite a resilient Moorpark side, who managed to score again, it was not enough to knock the Mustangs off their horse, and Costa clinched the 3-2 victory.

“We did a good job of staying strong once letting in a goal and maintaining the lead,” Fox said.

Costa’s victory has propelled the Mustangs to their first CIF semi-final appearance since 2014. The game will be high stakes for Costa, who lost in 2014, and will be playing for the opportunity to become Costa’s first CIF finalists since their 1999-2000 season.

“It’s really amazing to be going to the semis [semi-finals], Fox said. “We have worked really hard to get here.”

The Mustangs, now 3-0 in the postseason, will now advance to the fourth round of the CIF Division Two Playoffs. Costa will be facing Vista Murrieta High School, who are ranked seventeenth in California. The matchup will take place at Waller Stadium on February 16th at 5:00. The Mustangs hope to improve their connectivity on the field as they prepare to play Vista Murrieta, Van’t Hof said.

“We could always work on our communication in the game,” Van’t Hof said.