On Thursday night, Feb. 13, 2025, the Berkeley High School girls varsity soccer team faced off against the undefeated Bishop O’Dowd High School in a competitive high-stakes game, showcasing grit and dedication from both teams. As the last league game for the long standing rivals, competitive spirit was high. Each side demonstrated unwavering determination to win.
At the start of the game, O’Dowd immediately took control. With higher initial energy than BHS on a cold and rainy evening, O’Dowd had a decisive advantage. In the first 10 minutes of the match, O’Dowd capitalized on Berkeley’s slow start, scoring two quick goals off breakaways from turnovers caused by poor ball control.
Rattled by the early deficit, Berkeley quickly regained focus, coordinated their efforts, and pushed themselves harder to maintain possession of the ball. “In the first 10 minutes, we gave them a little bit too much respect, and I think we played in our own heads. And then after that, we broke out. We didn’t let (them) score after that, and it was a little more contentious. When we started playing and contesting, we made it more of a game, and I think those jitters went away, that just needed to happen earlier,” John Tamrat, head coach of the team, said. After aggressively driving the ball back and forth across the field, connecting passes, and exchanging shots on goal, BHS was finding their rhythm. Despite their renewed energy and drive, the halftime score stood at 2-0 in favor of O’Dowd.
Entering the second half, the Jackets controlled the field, allowing no goals in, and denying O’Dowd ball possession completely. “We’ve been working on pressing hard, closing them into tight spaces, and learning how to not let them turn,” Allegra Hong, a BHS senior and team captain, shared. The ignition and vigor of their desire to win became evident, as shot after shot was fired toward the opposing goal. Micaela Bedolla Garcia, a BHS junior and striker, said, “In the second half, I feel like our energy, like our heart and desire to win the game, really went full head into the game. I think we just needed to switch on that intensity in the first half. If we had started early, we could have avoided a few goals.”
Although BHS controlled the second half with tenacious defensive and offensive play, the O’Dowd defense stayed strong, and the game ended with the same 2-0 scoreline since the beginning of the match. Though the outcome wasn’t in the Jackets’ favor, Coach Tamrat recognized the resilience demonstrated against the O’Dowd team. “I’m proud that we went up against O’Dowd, who has been dominating the league. For us to make it challenging for them shows we stood up within the league. We had a tough preseason schedule with strong opponents, and that contributed to us doing well in league play. I feel like that prepared us for the last part of the season and hopefully making a run in NCS,” Tamrat said.
With the foundation in place, Coach Tamrat remains optimistic, encouraging his team to keep fighting forward.