Both Marcus soccer teams experienced a great Pep Rally with videos to send them off to Round Rock. They had a quick diversion to Briarhill and McAuliffe where students came out with banners to wish them luck. The girls went to the stadium and saw The Colony beat WF Rider 3-0 to get to their 1st state final. Both teams enjoyed Macaroni Grill together and then prepared for their semi final games.
Fri morning (Friday the 13th)Coach Albury got word that his daughter had been involved in a car wreck in Dallas when a driver ran a red light and plowed into her car. Before kick off we were relieved to find out that she had been released from hospital with cuts and bruises. News also arrived that Madison Whitehead had been injured in Costa Rica with the National team and was flying home for scans on her leg.
The weather was windy and rain threatened. Marcus had the wind first half. At 33 mins Hall crossed but Vonstrohe’s header was kicked away. Goalie Presley was called into action when she kicked the ball away. At 31 mins Richardson chased the ball down, passed to Ortiz who found Vonstrohe but she shot just over. West put Marcus under pressure with counterattacks and their defence held firm. Wright came into right midfield and stopped the menacing Foncham coming out of the back. The game became more physical and was entertaining. Berquist cleared under pressure. Marcus got their vital goal 2 mins before halftime. Ortiz crossed from the left and Vonstrohe glided in to steer it past the goalie.
Marcus knew that facing a strong wind and attacking West team would mean a great team effort to hold on. Corners and free kicks rained in on goal. Presley had to deal with constant pressure but stood firm. At 32 mins Tue sent Richardson through but the goalie caught it. Presley made several outstanding saves and then at 29 mins Hall nearly made it 2-0. She got past the defemce and the goalie came out to smother it and it was kicked away. At 25 mins West leveled when a cross from the right drifted in the wind over the goalie and defenders and into the back of the net. Marcus was under constant pressure but had few counterattacks. We kept passing to the middle and West quickly attacked. Corners and free kicks rained in on goal but Marcus held firm. At 3:18 West struck when Shipley hit a 30 yarder which dipped in the wind. Presley got a hand to it , pushed it onto the bar but it rebounded onto her back and the linesman signaled it had just gone over the line.
Marcus sent everyone forward. With 30 secs remaining Ortiz danced around the defence but was crudely tackled from behind in the box. To the amazement of the home crowd nothing was given and Marcus slumped to the floor in a river of tears as their hopes faded. They accepted their medals and the applause of the crowd. It was difficult to rebound to support the boys but they won 3-1 over Brownsville Riviera to reach the final where they pulled it out v Plano West in the final minutes to tie the game and win in a shootout to go undefeated and be state champions as had the girls in 2005.
A truly remarkable two days where the fine line between victory and defeat was seen. A team of Heroes made it back to Marcus in the early hours of Sunday morning. A great season with the most number of victories ever and a loss to the eventual state champions West who easily demolished Deer Park 3-0.The Colony Girls captured its state championship with a 1-0 victory over Friendswood.
Thank you to all the supporters who came out during the year in rain, sleet, sun, wind and the cold to cheer on the Lady Marauders. It was really appreciated. And especially over the past 3 weeks in the play-off run and at Regionals and state championships.

Marcus Girls 2007
25 wins two losses three ties
District 6-5A Champions
Region One Champions
State Semi-Finalists
Ranked in Top Ten in Nation
Three state championships in a row. Four in five years

Colder weather in the low 40’s and snow flurries greeted the two top teams from District 6-5A who met for the third time this season, this time being the regional championship for the right to go to Round Rock for State. Players were bundled up in jackets and sleeping bags for the game. Marcus were very well organized defensively for such a potent Hebron offense but were creating counterattacks. At 30 mins they went ahead. Ortiz cut in on the right and played the ball through to Whitehead , who turned her player and shot at the goal. The goalie got a hand to the ball but it deflected upwards and into the goal. At 22 mins Vonstrohe came close when Richardson played it back to her and her 30 yarder hit the crossbar. At 19 mins it was 2-0. Emily Talbot joined the attack and expertly threaded the ball to Jarrell to calmly steer past the goalie. Hebron upped the pressure and Marcus was forced to clear from corners and free kicks. At 13 mins Jarrell did an amazing summersault and roll with a tackle.
Marcus went into halftime through a tunnel of boys soccer players and emerged second half focused on not allowing a goal. The defence was superb as wave after wave of attacks came from Hebron. At 25 mins Marcus caught them on the counterattack. Richardson played the ball to Ortiz who calmy held it for Whitehead to make her run. She got past the defender and slid the ball under the goalie for a 3-0 lead, Celebrations were halted when the goalie threw the ball hard into the group and was yellow carded for unsportsmanlike behavior. Whitehead almost got her hat trick from Richardson’s pass but was just wide. Presley was sound in goal and caught balls pumped into her box. . The incredible defence held on and Marcus celebrated going back to the ’ship for the 4th time in 5 years and 5th overall. The girls stayed and watched the boys beat Hebron 4-1 and celebrated with them as Marcus send 2 teams to the state championships.
25 wins one loss three ties
District 6-5A 13wins No losses 1 tie

Next up:
Top 4 teams in the state of Texas
Fri
Deer Park (26-0) vs Austin Westlake (19-3-3)11am
Plano West ( 23-2-2) vs Marcus (25-1-3) 1pm

Cool blustery conditions faced Marcus against an Amarillo team that was making it’s first trip to the championships. Marcus came out too confident and expected an easy ride. Marcus attacked early.Hall sent a great through ball to Richardson but her shot was blocked and it rebounded to Scott who steered it just over the bar. At 32 mins Ortiz cut in past the defence but her shot was saved. A rare counterattack saw Presley save but then Marcus came back and Ortiz hit the post after a great through ball by Jarrell. At 20 mins Ortiz’s cross found Vonstrohe’s head but it went wide. Amarillo were working hard together and we were putting together the poorest half of soccer. We kept making mistakes in midfield and they would counterattack. Hall and Ortiz went close. At 9 mins Whitehead’s free kick found Vonstrohe but her header was easily saved. At 4 mins Skeet’s through pass found Richardson but her shot was blocked. With a minute remaining Marcus was caught by the counterattack. From out on the right side the ball was played in. Presley stopped the ball with her knees but it rebounded for the forward to tuck home.
Marcus tried to regroup at halftime. It was the first time they had been behind at halftime the entire season. At 36 mins Whitehead ’s shot went wide. At 27 mins Vonstrohe shot over. It was all Marcus as they threw players forward. Ortiz danced around the defence only for the goalie to save. Whitehead’s free kick was just wide. The best chance came from Jarrell’s pass to Bachan but her shot was blocked. When the frustrations were building and it reached the last 7 mins relief was felt as Marcus finally equalized. Ortiz cut in from the right. Her cross was left by Jarrell who turned the defender and Richardson coolly steered it into the corner. Three mins later Marcus should have sealed it. Ortiz went around the outside of the defence and her cross deflected to Vonstrohe who missed from 6yards out.
The game went into overtime. Amarillo players were noticeably tired and Marcus attacked. The best was Emily Talbot’s header which was saved. Into the 2nd period and Marcus struck within a minute. Ortiz’s shot went for a corner. Taylor Scott took her time with the corner and it curled wickedly over everyone, hit the post and rebounded off the goalie and into the net. The players and crowd went wild. At 6 mins Pembroke came close to an own goal when her clearance just went over the bar. From the corner first Pembroke cleared off the line and then Presley saved from 2 yards out a shot that was destined for the back of the net. Marcus saw the time run out and the players jumped on each other at the center circle in relief. The poorest display of the season but they managed to scrape through to the Regional final against an impressive Hebron team that rattled 5 goals past Odessa Permian.
The girls stayed for the first half of the boys game v El Paso Coronado but it got cold and left with the boys comfortable winners at 4-0.
Sat April 7 Finals
12:30pm Marcus girls v Hebron
2:30pm Marcus boys v Hebron

The game on Tuesday never got started as severe storms and lightning threatened the area.
Marcus bused back over on a cooler ,windier Wed to face a tall, athletic opponent. Marcus started in a 3-4-2-1 system with Ortiz as the lone attacker. At 39 mins she crossed to Emily Talbot whose shot went into the side netting. Even the linesman thought it had gone in and was asking the number of the goal scorer. From Whitehead’s corner Berquist headed it just in front of them but no goal. Hall ran onto Ortiz’s through ball and the goalie blocked it. Martin threatened for a few mins with dangerous corners, but Marcus held firm. Marcus changed systems with Richardson supporting Ortiz and the attacks started to mount. At 28 mins Vonstrohe’s shot was smothered by the goalie and retrieved. Vonstrohe nearly opened the scoring when she hit it wide from Ortiz’s corner. At 23 mins Marcus broke through. Hall took the ball up field, sent Richardson through to dance around the goalie and slot it home. Martin counter attacked and Scott managed to deflect a powerful shot. Presley caught the corner kick under pressure. At 14 mins it was 2-0. Whitehead took a free kick from 30 yards which dipped. The goalie had trouble controlling it and in the scramble Scott steered it into the far corner. At 6:58 Marcus went three up. Scott again was involved but she was provider to Richardson to calmly roll into the net.
Marcus could not believe that they were three up against a strong opponent at the half, but second half came out to put them under more pressure. Immediately at 37 mins it was 4-0 when Richardson sent a beautiful pass through to Ortiz to hit home. The sideline went wild as Bachan nutmegged a player and then sent the ball to Ortiz. Her cross found Richardson just yards out but her shot was kicked off the line and her hat-trick thwarted. Marcus changed goalies with Kuhl incoming and started to rest players. Martin had five corners in a row and the defence cleared it out. Berquist blocked a shot to keep the shutout. At 17 mins Skeet sent the ball over their defence and Wright ran onto it, coolly kicking it past the onrushing goalie for a 5-0 lead. Thurman was hammering away with kicks into the box. Singleton collided with the goalie as she almost added to the total.
Brusco received a yellow card for a foul at 12 mins. Wholesale changes occurred with Carr the third goalie and we got all 36 players into the game . Miller saved a certain goal and then Placke cleared it as they seemed certain to score. Thurman went close from 30 yards. Unfortunately Jackson had to be led off the field with a wrist injury and in the last 2 mins Martin scored a consolation goal from a corner kick. The seconds ticked away and Marcus advance to their 4th Regional championships in a row.

The boys beat Flower Mound 3-0 to send both teams through to Pennington Field on Friday

Record
23 wins one loss three ties
District 6-5A 13wins No losses 1 tie
Next up: Regional Semi Finals
Amarillo probably at 1pm at Pennington Field Fri April 6th

Heavy storms threatened the metroplex and it was unsure whether the game would go ahead at Pennington Field. It was far from ideal conditions when we kicked off at 6pm. The announcer butchered the names of course and took for ever to call Marcus players .It was drizzling and swirling and did not look too promising. Marcus controlled most of the half. At 37 mins Richardson’s shot was caught by the goalie. We took the early lead at 35 mins when Ortiz received a throw in on the left, cut past 3 defenders and buried the ball in the back of the goal. It hit the football post and came out and most spectators (and the bench) were slow to react to the goal. At 32 mins Pembroke came up for a corner and her shot went over the bar. At 26 mins we came close to another goal. Hall crossed to Tue whoes shot hit the crossbar . At 18 mins Whitehead’s corner bounced off the goalie and Berquist’s attempt was cleared. Trinity’s attacks were very few and the back three dealt easily with them. Presley collected a free kick and Emily Talbot headed clear from another set play. Vonstrohe’s 20 yard shot was saved . From Thurman’s free kick Talbot headed it back to Bachan to shoot just wide.
The 2nd half saw deteriorating conditions. Marcus gambled with two defenders and went on the offense. From Whitehead’s corner Ortiz’s header went close. At 33 :41 the pressure paid off. Ortiz danced around the right side and her cross was left by Talbot for Whitehead to clinically finish into the side netting. The goal was met by cheers but at 33:19 by lightning and alarm horns. Everyone took cover but it got worse and after an hour it was decided to come back Sat at 3pm to finish off. The bus drive back to Marcus was harrowing and we hit driving rain and feet of standing water.
Sat Mar 31: It was bright sunshine and Marcus restarted the game with a throw in deep in their half. We threw players forward again. At 31 mins Ortiz crossed and Placke just barely missed getting on the end of it. Richardson was called offsides which brought the response from trainer Henderson that “the man was an idiot !!!” Richardson and Ortiz worked a give and go but the goalie saved. Hall went on a mazy run but shot wide and over. Ortiz dribble around the defence but the goalie came out to parry the shot. At 21 mins it was 3-0. Hall cut past midfielders on the left and found Jarrell who controlled, cut and hit a wicked shot over the goalie and into the top far corner. Marcus subbed liberally. Ortiz just kicked wide from Richardson’s pass. Thurman came close with long range free kicks but the only attack that Trinity could muster ended up with a corner kick as time expired
We all stayed to watch the boys just beat Arlington 2-1 to advance to play Flower Mound in the Reg Qtrs.
Record
22 wins one loss three ties
District 6-5A 13wins No losses 1 tie
Next up: Regional Qtr Final
Arlington Martin at Birdville Fine Arts Stadium Tues 7:30pm

Marcus kicked off at 6pm in the first of a double header in front of Time Warner Cable tv cameras. Ortiz crossed , the ball beat Richardson and Abbey Talbot just missed . But the dream start occurred at 36 mins when Ortiz’s cross to the back post was controlled by Jazmin Hall and her cross beat the goalie and knocked in on the goalline by Stacy Vonstrohe. Marcus was against the wind but still dominated. Richardson had a chance but it hit a player and was collected by the goalie. At 30 mins Emily Talbot hit a rocket which the goalie tipped onto the crossbar. Marcus had to watch the physical play of their forwards but were rarely troubled. Whitehead shot from 25 yards just wide and then Tue ’s shot was barely caught by the goalie. Presley was run into by a forward and Berquist had to come out after getting hit in the face. Ortiz went around them a couple of times but shot just wide and in the final minutes went close with a header
Second half was domination. Marcus had the wind and attacking mentality. Ortiz crossed in front of the goal but no-one could get a touch to it. Ortiz’s cross found Richardson whose shot was well saved. Berquist came up from the back and her powerful shot went to the goalie. We went to 2 defenders with Skeet picking up their powerful forward and the pressure started to tell. Ortiz dribbled around defenders and her shot hit the left post. At 17 mins freshman Madison Whitehead came up with another sensational strike. She controlled the ball 25 yards out from Ortiz pass and hammered it into the top corner.
Whitehead returned the favor to Ortiz whose header went over. At 4mins it was over. Ortiz dribble on the right , cut in and found Kaitlin Tue who tucked it into the near corner. Ortiz had a hand in each of the 3 goals.
A nice win against a difficult opponent and Marcus moves onto the area round to face Euless Trinity, 3-0 victors over Cedar Hill.

The boys game v Grapevine was a tremendous scrap with Marcus scoring with 2 mins remaining to win 2-1. They play Arlington at Pennington Field Fri at 8pm

Record
21 wins one loss three ties
District 6-5A 13wins No losses 1 tie

Next up: Area Round
Fri at Pennington Field Bedford
Girls v Trinity 6pm
Boys v Arlington 8pm
What are the odds that we play another double header !!!!!

It was Senior Night and the 2007 squad appreciation evening. Marcus had secured 1st place and after lightning had delayed the JV games we witnessed an emotional evening for the seniors on their last district game at home. We played in 4 squads each for 20 mins in appreciation of everyone’s part in the district championship. The first 20 mins was all senior squad. At 39 mins Placke dashed up the right wing but the goalie caught her cross. At 30 mins Skeet had a glorious opportunity when a cross found her in the middle of the goal but she hurried her shot wide under pressure. Bachan dribbled through but the goalie saved. Coppell were very quick on the counterattacks.
A new squad came in at 20 mins. Carr made a good save but was powerless at 14 mins when we failed to clear and they turned it in. This was the first time Marcus had been behind since mid-January. We picked up the pace. Whitehead went close with a free kick but at 8 mins made amends with a fantastic chip that dipped over the goalie. The half finished with Whitehead hurrying her free kick as time expired
A new squad came in at halftime. Wright shot just wide from Hall’s brilliant through ball. Jackson was linking well with Wright and they combined for several close opportunities. Jackson had the best chance when she cut around the defence but her shot was blocked by the goalie. The final 20 mins saw the original seniors re-enter with goalie Presley. Richardson almost put us ahead but her turn and shot was saved. Ortiz danced around their defence but could not convert. Frustrations got to us and Jarrell was yellow carded for a poor tackle and we were relieved when in the final seconds a cross went narrowly wide from Coppell.
A great undefeated district season 13 wins 1 tie but the tie made Marcus players realize we have to step it up for playoffs. Thank you seniors for a memorable year and 4 years service to Marcus soccer

Record
20 wins one loss three ties
District 6-5A 13wins No losses 1 tie

Marcus clinched their first district championship in 3 years with a sound performance at second place Hebron. Jazmin Hall made it back from ODP nationals but with had Richardson missing due to the death of her grandfather and Singleton pulled up lame again in warm ups.
Within four mins Marcus went ahead. Whitehead crossed to Jarrell whose pass found Ortiz who controlled and shot over the goalie. A minute later Hall’s shot was blocked by the goalie and then Whitehead’s shot was deflected by the goalie. Marcus seemed to be in control and at 24 mins went 2-0 up. Tue crossed from the left, Whitehead flicked it on and Abbey Talbot came in from the back to calmly strike the ball into the net. Hebron started to attack and had several corners in a row. One of them fell to their forward but she hit it wide. Presley was called into action after Skeet’s handball and the pace of Hebron began to tell. Pembroke , Brusco and Berquist stayed with their forwards and limited their chances. A glorious opportunity happened with 2 mins remaining when a long through ball beat our defence and their forward kicked it past on-rushing Presley but the ball went out of bounds
Second half saw Hebron send more players forward. A shot just cleared the bar and Presley had to be quick to save. Whitehead had her shot saved after a great through ball by Ortiz and then Ortiz brought a good save from the goalie. Marcus free kicks were long range and did not trouble their goalie. Wright came on but her shot went just wide. Frustrations boiled over in the last 10 mins as the ref gave them 3 yellows and fouls occurred on both sides. Marcus held on to be District 6-5A champions for 2007. The boys clinched their district title on the same day too.

Record
19 wins one loss two ties
District 6-5A 13-0-0

Next
Tues vs Coppell
Final game * Home * Senior Night

Severe thunderstorms and lightning hit the metroplex early Tues evening, canceling many games. The girls were moved to Wed at Polk Middle School at 5pm .Smith had only 11 players due to the change and their Spring Break and in bright sunshine and against Marcus ‘s three squads were going to find things very difficult. The only problem Marcus had was trying to find someone to unlock the bathrooms before the game…a girl has gotta go before a game !!!
Marcus found all their players camped in their half and had to be patient. Whitehead ripped a free kick inches wide. After 10 mins Ortiz crossed to Jarrell to control and turn to a wide open Whitehead who scuffed her shot into the far corner. Brusco was pushed up into the attack and placed it wide from Hall’s through pass. From Tue’s corner Vonstrohe’s header was kicked onto Jarrell to push in at the back post. The game became too easy and Marcus became sloppy. A new group entered after 25 mins. Singleton came close but the goalie saved easily.
Second half Marcus was again camped in their half. Chances went begging. Placke just beat the goalie but the ball was hacked away. A certain hand ball was waved away. Placke’s shot was saved by the goalie but Singleton hit the rebound against the post before it was called offsides Bachan hit a free kick just wide as Marcus received numerous corner kicks . From one Lurvey hit it back across to a defender to misplay it into the feet of Jackson to coolly drive in under the goalie. Shots pummeled their goal but we could not add to our total.

Record
18 wins one loss two ties
District 6-5A 12-0-0

Next
Hebron for the district title on Fri 7:15 away with 2 games remaining

Marcus 12-0-0 36 points
Hebron 10-1-1 31 points
Coppell 9-2-1 28 points
FM 6-5-1 19 pts
Creekview 4-7-1 13 pts
Lewisville 4-8-0 12 pts
Smith 1-11-0 3pts
Turner 0-12-0 o pts

scores from Wed
Turner 0-3 Lewisville
Coppell 0-2 Hebron
Marcus 3-0 Smith
Creekview 0-0 FM

It was Senior Night at Lewisville but their very nice ceremony was quickly ruined by four first half goals from Marcus. At 36 mins Ortiz crossed the ball from the right: the ball spun upwards and Richardson beat the goalie to the ball to head over her and into an empty net. At 23 mins Richardson repaid the compliment with a superb ball between two defenders for Ortiz to nip in, dribble around the goalie and tap in. Ortiz and Richardson ran their defence ragged. At 18 mins Ortiz crossed from the right to the middle where Vonstrohe strode in, controlled the ball and steered her shot over the goalie. At 13 mins Marshall put Ortiz through to dribble around the defence and her cross was finished off by Jarrell. The goalie blocked Whitehead’s shot and the half ended.
Second half Marcus put different players in but within the first minute added to their tally when Ortiz rounded the defence and her cross was hit home by Tue at the back post. At 34 mins Lewisville got a goal back when their forward beat the trap and chipped over goalie Kuhl. Marcus pummeled their goal with long range kicks by Thurman and corners which put them under pressure. We had a scare when they hit the bar but soon regained our composure and added another at 26 mins when Tue crossed from the left and Ortiz slammed it home. Whitehead headed over the bar. Lurvey received a yellow when a player sat on her and the comedy relief was Charity Evans in goal for the last 3 mins
Quality goals tonight .And over 30 players got on the field!!!
Record
18 wins one loss two ties
District 6-5A 11-0-0
Next
Away to Newman Smith Tues 7:20pm (after the Varsity boys)

A great game was eagerly anticipated as The Lady Jags had given Marcus many problems in the first game and we had just come away with a victory in the final minutes. Within 5 mins Flower Md. should have taken the lead…Hannah Higgins broke through and as she was shooting Sarah Brusco came in to block and goalie Presley managed to collect the ball.At 28 mins Marcus went ahead. Jazmin Hall crept in at the back and steered a great shot into the back of the net. Flower Md. made it uncomfortable at time with counterattacks but the defence held firm. Ortiz hit over the bar from Hall’s cross. With 7 mins remaining Abbey Talbot sent Wright through but she took it wide and the goalie saved her shot. Within a minute Marcus went 2-0 up. Whitehead collected the ball from the right touchline and sent a 35 yarder high into the box. The goalie fumbled and Wright bundled the ball over the line.
The second half Marcus blew the game open. At 35 mins Jarrell sent a glorious ball over the defence. Ortiz outran the defender and coolly steered past the goalie. Vonstrohe went close with a header but at 28 mins Marcus added to their tally when Richardson fed the ball wide for Hall to redirect to the opposite corner for a 4-0 lead. Marcus liberally subbed and new energy came onto the field. At 18 mins it was 5-0 when Kaitlin Tue sneaked in at the far post to tuck the ball into the near post. Jackson made a number of runs up field but we could not add to the total. A great evening’s entertainment.
Record
17 wins one loss two ties
District 6-5A 10-0-0
Next
Away to Lewisville Friday

The game was moved to Perry Middle School from Standridge stadium as Coach Rivas tried to slow down Marcus speed. The grass field was small and slippery as the dew made it a little difficult. At 32 mins Hall’s long range shot was easily dealt with by the goalie.. Five mins later Richardson hit the football bar above the soccer goal. At 27 mins Marcus was ahead. The goalie’s goal kick went to Richardson to head back over the defence for Ortiz to place home. Creekview threatened with free kicks that just went wide and goalie Kuhl had to be lively to collect through balls and shots into the box. Vonstrohe collided with Talbot and was kept off the field as a precaution for the remainder of the half. Uszler abley covered for her . Berquist kicked away an attempt in the final minute and the half ended with Marcus under pressure
Second half saw Marcus pressing and Creekview counterattacking. Whitehead went close with her shot just left of the post. She put a wonderful through ball to Richardson whose shot was blocked by the defender. Goalie Presley saved a couple of shots and the three defenders coped with their pace. Ortiz got around the defence but was stopped by the goalie. At 9 mins the goalie was yellow carded for bringing down Richardson but the officials were unsure and allowed her to stay on the field. Free kicks blazed over the bar from Whitehead and our impressive defence held on for the win on a difficult surface.
Record
16 wins one loss two ties
District 6-5A 9-0-0

Marcus kicked off the 2nd half of district against a depleted Turner squad of just 12 players. Again Marcus went with 3 squads
1st 25 mins: At 38 mins Richardson’s shot is deflected by the goalie but hall cannot get the ball past her. Singleton shot at the goalie but at 33 mins Richardson shoots home (1-0). A minute later Thurman passed the ball through to Hall and her shot is pushed into the goal by the goalie. (2-0). A minute later it is 3-0 with Richardson dribbling through their offside trap to score. Singleton shot over the bar. At 20 mins Richardson completed her hat trick with a shot that is blocked by the goalie but rebounds to her to score(4-0)
2nd 25 mins a new group comes in and continually breaks their trap. At 13 mins Jackson broke down the left and her perfect cross found Marshall to place in the corner (5-0). Jackson shot into the side netting. Whitehead coolly tapped the ball in with her right foot at 7 mins(6-0) to end the first half scoring Emily Talbot missed an open goal from 2 yards out .
2nd half - Talbot made amends when she chested the ball down and shot home at 37 mins (7-0). A minute later Uszler scored from close range(8-0). Their defender limped off so they had no subs.
3rd 25 mins: The “dream team “ came on with goalie Presley and defenders Berquist/Evans up front. At 24 mins Berquist outran the defence and hammered home. (9-0). Evans had 2 glorious chances but the goalie saved. At 20 mins Charity Evans finally scored , coolly hitting past the keeper from 20 yards out (10-0) Five mins later she added to her tally chipping over the goalie (11-0). Pembroke was inches wide. At 11 mins Bachan’s pass found Presley whose shot hit the post and into the far net (12-0). Abbey Talbot emulated her sister with a close miss over the bar from close range but made amends in the last few seconds when she scored from Pembroke’s cross. (13-0)
Record
15 wins one loss two ties
District 6-5A 8-0-0

The final game of the first round of district 6-5A arrived. The thunderstorms held off and only a wind and slight rain faced both undefeated teams. Marcus went into the wind and controlled the ball. Within a minute Whitehead’s shot deflected off a defender. At 27 mins Marcus went ahead. Vonstrohe on the edge of the box floated the ball over the defence and goalie and into the top corner of the net. Within 5 mins we were two up. Whitehead crossed the ball to the back post where indecision between the goalie and defender allowed Hall to slip in and score. Coppell started to attack more but our defence held firm.
Second half with the wind Marcus held the advantage. Ortiz appeared 2nd half and her run resulted in her shot being saved . At 20 mins Richardson broke through but her shot was hurried and saved easily. Marcus was only dealing with occasional counterattack and looked to go further ahead. Then Diggs ran past the defence and was brought down by Brusco with 11 mins remaining. They were awarded a free kick but we lost Brusco with a red card and had to play with 10 players. We blocked their free kick but had to deal with more players attacking. The pressure paid off with 7 mins remaining. Presley could only push the shot upwards and Diggs came in to score. We were bombarded with attacks but defence held firm . We slowed the game down and the seconds ticked away to preserve another victory. A sweet night for Marcus as JVI won 2-0 and the boys soccer finally defeated Coppell.The basketball also won.
Record
14 wins one loss two ties
District 6-5A 7-0-0
Hebron 5-1-1
Coppell 5-1-1

Finally warm weather arrived in the metroplex and Marcus faced undefeated Hebron in ideal conditions at home. Marcus got off to a dream start with a goal inside the first 5 mins. Ortiz controlled the ball on the halfway line, turned two defenders inside out and drilled a left footed shot inside the near post. However Hebron dominated most of the remaining 35 mins. They gave us trouble with their pace. Pembroke cleared off the line at 25 mins. Then they drilled the ball against the bar. Marcus played ferocious defence but gave away free kicks which threatened. Marcus came back into it when Whitehead cleared the bar and her corner kicks troubled them.
The second half saw more attacking by Marcus. Richardson almost put them 2 up when Talbot’s cross found her unmarked but her shot was tame and saved easily. Presley came to the rescue to stop a shot. Ortiz ‘s shot went wide as did Whitehead’s free kick. Ortiz dribbled into the goalie but at 22 mins Marcus went further ahead. A great combination of passes led to Ortiz crossing for Vonstrohe to steal in and score at 22 mins. Hebron seemed deflated and Marcus defence held firm with strong tackles. At 12 mins Singleton found Richardson but the goalie reached it first. At 9 mins Whitehead hit a screamer of a free kick that the goalie pushed over. At 7 mins saw genius at work. Whitehead turned the midfielder around in front of the shelter. She then passed to Richardson to dribble around the goalie and secure the game with the third goal. Marcus held out to record the shutout and remain in first place in the district standings
13 wins one loss two ties
District 6-5A 6-0-0

It was still very cold and wind blowing down the pitch but from the south this time.
The Varsity kicked off at 5:30pm prior to the Varsity boys. Within 10 mins they were 3 goals up against a Lady Trojan team that was packing in defenders. At 33 mins Ortiz was brought down in the box. She stepped up and took it but it hit the post . Richardson alertly came in and volleyed it home. Two mins later we increased our lead when Ortiz crossed the ball back into the goal. A minute later she turned and her shot went over the goalie and hit the underside of the bar and into the goal. It was too easy for Marcus and play became sloppy. Hall missed a couple of easy chances and Jarrell blazed over the bar.
At 20 mins another 10 players stepped on but they could not increase the lead. Lurvey shot over and Evans had her shot saved. Berquist received Whiteheads through ball baut collided with the goalie. It ended with Wright shooting over from close range.
Marcus defence did not have to deal with many counter attacks as Smith bunkered in. The 2nd half again created numerous chances but poor finishing. Whitehead blasted at goal twice but one shot hit Singleton.
With 25 mins remaining the next squad came on. Marshall had a great chance but the goalie blocked it. The only chance against Marcus was to go wide against goalie Kuhl. Marshall made amends with 10 mins remaining. She controlled Larson’s cross, turned and hit a left footer into the far corner. Bachan, playing her first competitive game of the year played Presley through but her shot just missed Jackson sliding in. One downer was Neuwoehner being carried off with a dislocation of her kneecap. A good result but Marcus needs to pick up the pace and intensity against Hebron and Coppell next week as district 6-5A ends its first round
Record
Twelve wins one loss two ties

An artic blast hit the metroplex and a 30mph wind blew straight down the field from the north. Marcus faced the wind into it first half. At 28 mins Kaleigh Wright crossed to the far post for Ortiz to control and slam home. The Lady Farmers attacked and had several chances go just wide or goalie Kuhl saved. At 19 mins Marcus went further ahead. Lurvey chased down the ball in the corner and crossed for Berquist to steer home at the near post. Two mins later Marcus got caught on the breakaway and their forward shot over Kuhl to narrow the gap. Marcus played more defensively for the remaining 15 mins but Von strohe went close with 2 mins left with her shot just going over the bar.
Second half saw Marcus more offensive minded. At 33 mins Ortiz crossed and Richardson just got to it at the far post but the goalie covered up. Vonstrohe headed into the side netting and then Richardson’s header from Whitehead’s shot was cleared off the line. At 25 mins Ortiz was fouled 30 yards out and Whitehead hammered the free kick into the goal. Lewisville was dangerous on the counterattack and 2nd goalie Presley did well to dive and push around the post. She was replaced due to the cold by Carr who dealt with strong efforts. Finally with 7 mins remaining Ortiz outran the defence. Collided with the goalie but placed to rebound in the back of the net. Thurman scored from a free kick 40 yards out but it was called back for a foul on the goalie.
Record
Eleven wins one loss two ties
District 4-0-0

Marcus traveled the short distance to face a strong Lady Jaguar team Fri night. It did not start well prior to the game when the boys coach at Flower Mound prohibited them and the Lady Jaguars from warming up in the indoor facility even though he was playing at Marcus…and then 35 mins was put on the clock in cold conditions for warm up even though 20 mins only is allowed This must have fueled Marcus because by the 2nd minute they were ahead. Vonstrohe received Scott’s throw in on the right and her cross was deflected by a defender to Whitehead. She controlled the ball, faked a shot and cut in
to steer the ball into the far corner. The next 20 mins each team went at a ferocious pace attacking and defending.. Shots came close but really did not put the goalies under pressure. As is usual in a local derby emotions were high and tackles were fierce. The referee annoyed both sets of supporters with picky calls.The last 20 mins Flower Mound really put Marcus under pressure with counterattacks and the defence had to come to the rescue. Players were continually being pushed to the ground and with 10 mins remaining the referee yellow carded Jarrell for a trip and Skeet for a sliding tackle that on replays show she took all ball .
Halftime was an adventure. Marcus walked off to find the warm and comfort of a locker room but found all doors locked and eventually after several minutes found their way to a hallway to sit !!. They were late out to begin the 2nd half.
The pace stepped up . Flower Mound made some early attacks but our defence cleared their lines. Ortiz just missed with a header and Hall just missed getting on the end of it. From Hall’s cross Abbey Talbot just could not steer it in under pressure. Midway through the half Ortiz was put away but the goalie courageously came out to save. However she had to be lead off with an injury to her arm. It was end- to -end action as Marcus blazed over the bar and our defence thwarted their dangerous counterattacks. The fouls continued. Emily Talbot got a yellow for a nudge and then kicked the ball away and Heather Lurvey was rugby tackled and tried to get her foot away from the defender’s arms and was amazed to receive a card too. Vonstrohe set a long shot which the goalie bobbled, but Jackson , who had given the offense a spark, almost put us further ahead but sliced just wide in a goalmouth melee.
The final six minutes of the game saw 3 goals and plenty of action. Whitehead hit the ball into the goal area. Vonstrohe controlled, turned and hit it into the top corner with the slightest of deflections from a defender. Within 2 minutes the Lady Jags had pulled one back. The ball was kicked into the box where it rolled up the leg of a forward and around goalie Presley and over the line with defenders Brusco and Berquist trying to kick it off the line. Brusco was manhandled in the goal and a forward received a yellow card as she was trapped in the netting and trampled to the ground. Amazingly within 30 secs Marcus had a 2 goal cushion. From the kick off Von strohe sent Ortiz wide on the left. She cut in past 2 defenders and hit a sweet shot into the top corner.
The seconds ticked down and Marcus were victorious. Several ex-players (Laughlin, Straka, and Dawson) were there too to celebrate a tough win
Record
Ten wins one loss two ties
District 3-0-0

The wind died down and warmer weather greeted the past state champions at Marcus.
First half Marcus was in charge but had to deal with breakaways.At 34 mins the goalie tipped Whitehead’s shot over the bar. The linesmen frustrated both teams with delayed offside decisions. Ortiz shot at the goalie but then Presley had to deal with a breakaway shot at her. At 25 mins Marcus went ahead. Whitehead to Richardson to Ortiz who cut in and her shot went in off a defender. Marcus wasted long range shots which the goalie comfortably dealt with. Talbot hit the bar with a 30 yard effort. Ortiz and Richardson went close but the halftime came with Marcus only having one goal for all their efforts.
Second half was same tactics. Marcus attacking their back four and Creekview counterattacking. Ortiz blasted over the bar at 30 mins and then minutes later Skeet blasts it at a defender’s head. At 23 mins Marcus was awarded a free kick just outside the box and Whitehead stroked it home into the corner. Marcus should have gone on but were caught by a dangerous counterattack and Cortez placed it wide of Presley at 14 minutes. They almost scored a minute later with a free kick which went inches wide. Jarrell had came on and made her influence tell She bundled into the goalie and then at 9:23 sent Ortiz through to push into the corner. Marcus held on to record an important victory
Record
Nine wins one loss two ties
District 2-0-0

Snow and sleet overnight had made conditions difficult to play but it had melted by the time Marcus opened up their district opener. The game was moved forward to 4pm at Cox Field due to very cold conditions. Within 35 secs Marcus was one up when Von strohe sent a perfect ball through to Ortiz to dribble around the defence and score. At 36:50 it was 2-0. ..Ortiz played the ball to Jarrell to hammer home from close range. Ortiz was on the ground but passed to Richardson to Singleton but her shot was cleared by a defender. Ortiz was wide right from Singleton’s pass but at 32 mins her pass to Singleton found Jarrell to score. Two mins later it was 4-0 with Jarrell completing her hat trick with a powerful strike over the goalie. The Singleton-Ortiz tandem was creating problems and both came close. At 23 mins Skeet found Vonstrohe in the box and she calmly eased it home.(5-0) Within 30 secs it was 6-0 as Ortiz dribbled around the goalie and tapped home.At 19 mins Ortiz completed her hat trick , shooting upper left. (7-0) The comedy was when Berquist thought she could play forward and on a breakaway shot wide on an open goal.
All eleven players were substituted at 15 mins remaining in the first half. The attacks kept coming. Tue’s free kick was pushed wide by the goalie. Charity Evans , normally a defender, was put up front and she came close several times. At 9 mins Wright’s shot is saved but from Whitehead’s corner Emily Talbot rose to head into the roof of the net (8-0). Evans was getting frustrated as she shot at the goalie and Whitehead showed her how easy it was with a 25 yarder into the top of the goal (9-0)
After halftime the onslaught continued. Evans again shot wide left but looked to have scored as she beat the goalie but Wright tapped in (10-0). Wright returned the favor to Evans at 32 mins but she shot at the goalie. Tue took corner kicks twice in succession but the defence cleared.
The 3rd group came on with 25 mins in the 2nd half remaining. Jackson was one on one with the goalie who somehow tipped her shot over the bar. At 15 mins Wilbanks quick free kick to Placke provided results as her cross was controlled by Neuwoehner into the path of Jackson to score. (11-0). Jackson then scored her 2nd at 5mins when her shot squirmed into the corner (12-0) and the final goal came when goalie Presley playing as a forward showed them how to finish with a cross shot into the corner (13-0)

Goalscorers Assists
Ortiz 3 Von strohe
Jarrell 3 Ortiz
Jackson 2 Singleton
Whitehead 1 Skeet
Vonstrohe 1 Presley
Wright 1 Evans
Emily Talbot 1 Placke
Presley1 Wright

Record:
Eight wins one loss two ties
District 1-0-0

In its final tune up before district, Marcus played well in cold conditions against an opponent that had taken Plano West to 0-1 in the Heritage final just a few days previous. Marcus played 3 different squads every 25-27 minutes. At 35 mins Wright’s shot just went over the bar. Thurman had to come off with a hamstring strain. At 32 mins Marcus was one up. The goalie fumbled a shot and Stacy Vonstrohe stepped up to tap in. At 20 mins Marcus survived a scare when their dangerous #11 broke through but Dani Presley came out to smartly save and the ball was cleared (off Woogie’s head !!) At 15 mins it was 2-0. Sara Singleton collected the ball and from the acutest of angles hammered it over the goalie.
The first group went off followed by a second team which continued the pressure. Jackson’s shot was well blocked by the goalie. At 8 mins Richardson took a corner which the goalie kocked down and a mad scramble followed. Jackson came close near the half time break when her shot rolled in front of the goal and then was cleared out.
In the 2nd half Carr replaced Presley and came out smartly to stop breakaways, especially from through balls from #11 and #13. Richardson almost scored within 30 secs of the restart as she broke through but her shot went just over. At 32 mins Jarrell passed back to Uszler to hit just over too. A min later it was 3-0. Scott crossed to Richardson to chest down and steer past the goalie. At 29 mins it looked certain for Hoackaday to pull one back but Larson cleared off the line.
The 3rd squad came in and played a little more defensive. Miller handled #11 and Wright was on her own up front. Lurvey, Pembroke and Marquis handled counterattacks and basically shut down their offense. Evans came on with 7 mins remaining to try to add to the goal total. Lurvey made a great run out from the back but the goalie came out to save.

Marcus ran out easy winners and now look forward to district on Fri v Turner at Cox Field
Record: Seven wins one loss two ties

The nations #1 West and #3 Marcus squared off at Mustang -Panther stadium at 8pm
We finally had nice weather The first half was very even as both teams had limited chances. Singleton and Hall both had crosses from the left and the ball was not put in from the box. Brusco made a sliding tackle. The best chance fell to Ortiz who rounded the defence but her shot was saved by the goalie Presley was alert on several occasions and controlled her box.
In the 2nd half Marcus applied more pressure. Hall cut into the box but her cross was just inches from Richardson. Talbot rose to head a free kick over the bar The game changed when goalie Carr pushed a forward over in the box and they scored from a penalty kick 20 mins in. Momentum changed as West gained more confidence. Talbot was strong and courageous in midfield Carr made 2 good saves but with inexperienced players in on the rotation West scored 2 goals in the final 6 mins to win the game. It was a great test for Marcus who played over 20 players for 20-25 mins each to gain experience and to build on experience necessary for district play. Bragging rights go to West but championships are never won in January

After a Pep rally for winter sports Marcus traveled to Heritage HS to play top ranked private school Nolan at 8pm. Marcus switched some new players into the mix. It was a fast pace aggressive game that the referee seemed to frustrate players from both sides.
Marshall ran through but the goalie came out to smother. Nolan hit the bar and the ball deflected up onto the football bar a yard higher and was called out(later this was to become an issue). Berquist made a great tackle at midfield and their strong midfielder had to be carried off which angered a parent who had to be escorted out. The ref ’s attitude was very combative to all sides. Marcus nearly went ahead when Ortiz shot and the ball went to Wright whose shot just went wide. A few minutes later the same combination worked as Wright hit it home. We were unfotunate a few minutes later as defenders tried to clear and it ricocheted to a forward to hit past Presley. Jarrell’s free kick was pushed over the bar by the goalie
Second half Marcus attacked and the shots were hurried and easily saved. Richardson got a deflection but her volley was well saved. Finally with 15 mins remaining Ortiz sent a curling shot over the defence for Richardson to control and steer home. Placke went through but her shot went over the bar. Nolan sent players forward. We kicked the ball off the line and were comfortably dealing with the pressure until 5 mins from the end. A hopeful looping cross was pushed onto the bar by Presley but it rebounded off the bottom of the football bar to a player to tap in. The ref consulted his linesman who gave it as a goal. The ref explained he was not sure about the goal but had to defer to the linesman. ( Video evidence points to the ball having hit both bars a reason why Marcus has taken down their football posts !!) An exciting game by two quality teams.

Marcus returned to Mustang -Panther stadium for an 11am game knowing that the decision from the previous night’s game had prevented them any chance of going to the championship. We had several players out due to SAT testing or rested players due to slight injuries. Everyone played in the bright sunshine. Marcus came out the first half with extra attacking players and only 2 defenders. Von strohe went close with a free kick Richardson raced through but collided with the goalie as the ball went inches wide. Singleton crossed and the goalie bobbled the ballas Richardson tried to put it in but was called for a foul. The defence got beaten a couple of times by through balls but Presley made 2 fine diving saves and Berquist kicked it away. Marcus almost went ahead when a defender kicked the ball inches over the bar from Hall’s cross.Finally we did after 25 mins when Vonstrohe controlled the ball, turned and chipped to Hall to head home. One of the highlights was Jackson’s acrobatic bicycle kick that was cleared off the line.
Second half more changes were made but the defence did well to contol their forwards.After 15 mins Richardson turned the player and hit a strong left footed shot past the goalie. There was comedy for the next few minutes as the bench shouted to the scoreboard operator that it should be 2-0 not 1-1. Goalie Carr came out quickly to collect the ball but she was powerless as a forward broke through and pushed it past her. Singleton could have extended the lead as she broke through but her shot sailed high and wide. Miller had the ball stuck under her as she tried to tap in from a corner kick and Marshall ran into the goalie. The defence held firm to record the win

Black Team 0-0 Rowlett 6pm
Leah Kuhl came to Marcus rescue with saves early on. At 18 mins Abbey Talbot worked a give and go but her cross was cleared. Kuhl was strong in goal and stopped everything at her. With 8 mins remaining she came out to deflect the ball and it was cleared.
2nd half Marcus was more lively. Talbot’s cross was saved. Under pressure Thurman cleared. Singleton went through from Neuwoehner’s pass but could not convert. Fannin put the ball wide and Thurman’s free kick was saved. A game of few chances

White Team 3-1 Wylie
The wind picked up and it got steadily colder. We almost went ahead within 30 secs when Scott’s shot was saved. Whitehead ‘s shot from 30 yds was saved too. Wylie made limited counterattacks but were quick. Skeet limped off with an ankle sprain and Presley remained calm on several occasions as forwards bore down on her goal. Richardson’s and Ortiz’s shots were saved from close range. Finally with 6 mins remaining Marcus went ahead. Whitehead crossed, Ortiz turned and her shot was mishandled by the goalie and crept into the corner of the goal.
In the second half Marcus had the increasingly stronger wind to their backs. Against the run of play Wylie equalized when Carr’s clearance went astray and the forward crossed to the back post for a player to score. Within a minute Marcus went ahead. Scott’s corner was powerfully headed home by Richardson. Marcus defence was caught by a through ball and Carr came out to watch the forward place it wide. With 5 mins left Uszler cleared off the line. Marcus was making it hard on themselves but with seconds left Berquist’s long clearance bounce over the goalie and Ortiz followed up to tap home into an empty net

Black 5-0 S.Garland
The Marcus team clearly dominated the South Garland opponent with speed, technique, tactics, possession of play, and the size of the bench.  (even with our varsity split in half)  Several early attempts on goal come up empty until Sara Singleton (30:00) slaps a ball down from the air pivots clockwise and with her left foot volleys the bouncing ball into the net from 30 yards out.  It was a brilliant goal, and it opened up the offense on S. Garland.  Just five minutes and 3 attempts by Kaleigh Wright later, Abby Talbot slots a beautiful ball through the middle to Singleton for the 2^nd goal.  After 4 more shots by Wright, Kayla Jordan knocking over the referee and Jessie Jackson ripping a couple of shots of her own, Wright finally sinks one into the net assisted by a cross from Brittany Neuwoehner.   There is one real near miss by South Garland, but Heather Lurvy strips the forward takes the ball penetrating deep into the opponents end – no goal.  Several more attempts from Lurvey and the team come up short; including a break away one on one with Molly Fannin and their keeper- their keeper wins.  At the half the score is 3-0 Marcus.  Back out for more attack by Marcus in the second half,  Kristina Burhans  times her run to intercept the ball from a Julie Manderscheid cross right as it reaches the keeper resulting in the 4^th goal (16:27).   Several more Marcus attempts are tallied with 3 from Jessica Mountjoy.  Then Mountjoy slaps a loose ball into the net over everybody for the 5^th goal at 11:41.  Shut outs are credited to keepers Leah Kuhl and Jill Thurman (yes, you read it right).  South Garland never gave up and put forth an effort with no subs right to the very last whistle; my hats off to their guts.  The final score was 5-0 Marcus.

Black 2-1 Wylie
In the nightcap Jessie Jackson fired Marcus ahead within 20 secs from 25 yards out, sending the ball looping over the goalie’s head. Marcus defense was strong with Heather Lurvey in control. Sara Singleton and Jackson came close but could not add to the total. Marquis came up from the back at a corner kick and her powerful shot just went high over the bar.
In the 2nd half Marcus increased their lead when Sara Singleton turned and scored in the box. Kuhl made some great saves but Wylie pulled one back with 10 mins remaining. Marcus held on for the win in wet , cold conditions.

White 2-0 Highland Park
In the 12:30 game Marcus dominated the Scots.At 25 mins a sweet cross by Hall found Von strohe who steered it home from the 6yd box. At 11 mins it was
2-0 Ortiz went around the defence and slipped the ball past the goalie at the near post
The 2nd half Marcus took control. They should have scored more but chances went missing. Emily Talbot hit the post and goalie Presley came on at forward and her shot was saved

White 2-0 Rowlett
The weather deteriorated in the evening. Marcus found it difficult against a well organized defence. The goalie saved from Richardson twice and then Ortiz
Whitehead’s shot hit the top of the crossbar. With 7 mins remaining Ortiz cut in from the right and hit the ball into the far corner
Second half saw more offence form Marcus but could not convert. They missed several chances until the final 30 secs when Hall controlled and fired a left foot shot high into the near post
No more games were to be played on Sat as coaches agreed it was too wet and cold to continue

Flower Md 6-0 S.Garland
Highland Park 1-0 Northwest
Rowlett 0-0 Marcus Black
Marcus White 3-1 Wylie
Northwest 2-3 Flower Md
S.Garland 0-5 Marcus Black
Flower Md 1-1 Highland Pk
Northwest 6-0 S.Garland
Rowlett 3-2 Wylie
Marcus White 2-0 Highland Pk
Marcus Black 2-1 Wylie
Marcus White 2-0 Rowlett

Marcus White	27 pts
Flower Mound	23 pts
Marcus Black	22 pts
Rowlett	13 pts
Highland Park	12 pts
Justin Northwest	12 pts
Wylie	4 pts
S.Garland	0 pts

Marcus played in warm, sunny weather, then windy cool, wet and warm, wet and windy and then wet and freezing over the first two days of the tournament.

Thurs Jan 11 5:45pm
Marcus 1-0 Murietta Valley California
Marcus kicked off their season with a comfortable win at Nolan HS. Facing a brisk wind in the first half Marcus attacked early with Ortiz going close. At 28 mins a free kick from Vonstrohe was saved. Several corners too were kicked away by MV defenders. Marcus defence had to deal with long kicks from the goalie . Marcus best opportunity came when Ortiz was 1 on 1 but the goalie saved.
In the 2nd half Marcus gambled and played with 2 defenders as they put more attacking players on. It was non-stop action and freshman Whitehead was involved in several plays. She whiffed at the ball when shooting but then came good when she hit the post. Several free kicks brought oohhs and aahhs from the crowd. She hit the bar and then brought out a tipping save from the goalie. Richardson shot just over the bar. Finally with 25 mins remaining we scored. Richardson sent Hall through and her low cross was turned in at the far post by Ortiz. Whitehead then hit the bar with another free kick. The game became aggressive but Marcus held out . A fantastic move with Abbey Talbot to Singleton bounced off the post.

Fri Jan 12
Marcus 1-0 St Stephens Austin
We were the 1st game at TCU. It was drizzling but warm and windy. Marcus gave opportunities to other squad players. They attacked with Alberts and Manderscheid coming close. Jill Thurman ‘s free kicks troubled the goalie and then Joy Jarrell brought out a save Abbey Talbot came close in the final minute but the ball rolled across the goal and just past the far post.
In the 2nd half Marcus sent on fresh legs. Scott’s shot went over and then Ortiz hit the crossbar. Kuhl made a good diving save. Marcus kept the pressure on. It appeared to be going to penalty kicks but with 2 mins remaining Wright controlled the ball at the back post and her cross was pushed in by Allison Uszler.

Fri Jan 12
Marcus 0-0 Ursuline. Marcus wins 4-3 on penalties
After a trip to Panera Bread and a visit to the mall Marcus faced a strong Ursuline team at TCU. We had the wind and a driving rain which made conditions difficult. Within the first minute Marcus had goalie Presley to thank as a forward beat the defence and shot at her. Marcus defence had problems with their speed but caught them off-sides several times. Richardson’s free kick was saved . At 14 mins Ortiz’s corner to Jackson hit the girl in the head and Whitehead ‘s shot was blocked. At 9 mins Whitehead’s glorious pass found Singleton but the goalie came out to smother the ball. Conditions got slippery for all players with the grass very slick.
Second half saw Marcus under pressure. Pembroke marshaled the defence well and Thurman was aggressive. Ortiz and Richardson were being bumped around . Ortiz came close but sent her shot over the bar. Goalie Carr dealt with crosses and slippery ball. Emily Talbot shot just wide and the game ended a tie. Freezing winds came in the final 5 mins and everyone started to shiver. It dropped 15 degrees in 10 mins
Penalty kicks were taken for seeding purposes. Ortiz scored but Richardson just missed wide. They missed too and then Thurman and Von Strohe converted. Presley blocked a shot and Jackson stepped up to win the game.

Sat Jan 13th
Marcus 1-1 Northwood California (abandoned after 30 mins)
Storms and freezing rain hit North Texas overnight. Marcus traveled to Fort Worth to play Northwood California knowing that really bad weather was upon them. The game started with just cold and slight drizzle but over the next 30 mins it developed into pouring rain/sleet mix and then thunderstorms and lightning finally brought it to a close 10 mins before halftime and was abandoned after a 30 min. wait when rain was turning to ice.
Ortiz was outrunning the left side of defence but could not get her crosses to forwards. Marquis was kicked in the face but continued. Kuhl came out to make a finger tip save from a breakaway .At 15 mins the best chance came to Hall who won the ball from the goalie and with an empty net opted to pass and it just rolled past the far post. Kuhl came to the rescue with several saves. Ortiz rounded the goalie but could not steer it home and Vonstrohe came close with a header from a corner.
Finally with 15 mins remaining Marcus went ahead Hall passed to Ortiz who flicked the ball to Singleton to control and with 3 defenders around hit the ball past the goalie.
Unfortunately 5 mins later a cold sub coming into the game could not control the ball quickly and a forward nipped in to power over goalie Carr. The conditions became more treacherous. Carr tried to control a wet ball and a forward jumped in to score but was off-sides. She made up for it with two strong saves, the 2nd point blank to dive at the foot of a forward and the ball was cleared.
It was clear that the game could not continue and was abandoned and considered a no-game.

The Varsity traveled to Mansfield to play Mansfield and Arlington, both perennial play-off teams, in the new MISD stadium which closely resembles the state championship stadium in Round Rock.

Marcus 1-1 Mansfield
The first scrimmage was at noon versus Mansfield. The first squad played a 40 min. half. It was a little chilly but a good workout was achieved. Kuhl came out to steal the ball from an oncoming forward. Then Richardson passed to Singleton to run through but the goalie came out to save. Marcus was awarded a free kick just outside the box when Richardson was fouled. Bachan stepped up to hit a shot that hit the base of the post and Hall hit the rebound just wide. Richardson and Singleton were finding room in the defence but their goalie controlled the ball. Mansfield counterattacked and with 10 mins remaining when they took advantage of a mistake to rifle a shot into the top corner past new goalie Pressley. Marcus pushed forward and within 5 mins drew level with Placke hitting a 30 yarder over the goalie and dipped into the back of the goal.

Marcus 2-0 Arlington
The second half was versus Arlington. A new group of players came out and dominated the Colts from the start. Ortiz crossed to Manderscheid whose shot went just over. Marcus received several free kicks but the ball went wide or high. Ortiz made a spectacular field goal with one attempt, but redeemed herself with a great cross to Manderscheid at the back post but she hit the post. After 20 mins Marcus went ahead with Ortiz dribbling around the defence and goalie and rolled the bthe goal. A few mins later it was 2-0. Tue’s corner kick was headed by Wright against the post and the ball bounced back to Alberts to shoot home. The game got physical towards the end with Marcus players being fouled but holding on for a comfortable win

On a cool afternoon the 2007 Varsity faced a very strong alum team which had Division I college and national team players
First 25 min period 1-5
Our defence struggled at first in the first third of the game (25mins) But against the run of play Vonstrohe put Ortiz through and she coolly slotted home past Laughlin at 18 mins That awoke the beast. The alums hit back quickly. Jessica Jarrell put Cleveland through to cut back around 2 defenders and slot home. A minute later Sarah Huffman did the same , turning the defenders around. Richardson nearly equalized but Laughlin bravely came out to smother the shot. Carr tipped over a long range shot from Lauren Huffman but was powerless to stop Lunsford’s rocket from 30 yards. At 8 mins it was 4-1 when Huffman’s cross was tipped in by Cleveland . Carr saved Reeder’s shot but appeared to hurt herself when she kicked it out. The alums playfully manhandled Evans and Ortiz as their confidence soared. Joy Jarrell came on to play against her sister..Joy had been out 4 months with ACL reconstruction. Cleveland barged Berquist off the ball to make it 5-1 at the break
Second 25 min period 1-2
A new group came on, cheered on by their little U-8 sisters sitting in front of them. Pressley came out to stop Berend’s shot but could not stop Lauren Huffman’s shot which dropped into the goal. Singleton worked her magic on the right but had no support. Pressley got down quickly to save Cleveland’s shot and Reeder shot just wide under pressure from Pembroke. Marcus got back track when Tue’s quick corner was played back to her by Singleton and her cross was powerfully headed home by Emily Talbot. Talbot was the comedy of the minute when she miskicked a shot and then collided with a defender. Pembroke twice came to the defence’s support clearing balls out. Pressley saved from Berend. Huffman but her save from Reeder’s shot went to Sarah Huffman to tap home
Third 25 mins. period 1-3
A little rain fell as a new group went on. Alberts cross was hit home by Wright. Goalie Kuhl came to the rescue, kicking the ball away and then a wonder save from L. Huffman . But she could not get to Lauren Huffman’s chip into the top corner from the edge of the box. Another goal came from Jessica Jarrell’s shot which hit the post and Sarah Huffman touched in. The final goal came from Amy Berend who headed home at the near post from a corner kick.
A great evenings entertainment