Girls’ soccer still lacking a complete game (video)

The Maricopa High School girls’ soccer team has been on the verge of victory in nearly every game they’ve played, but key mistakes have cost them so far.

Maricopa is 2-5-3 on the year, but three of their five losses are by one goal. In their two wins, the Rams have outscored their opponents 11-0. In their losses though, defensive breakdowns, mental errors or lack of offense has cost them.

“We’ve dropped a lot of games that we’ve been in,” head coach Mallory Miller said. “We don’t have that urgency to want to score. When we’re down (in scoring position), we’re trying to play too many passes instead of trying to shoot. I think it’s been one of our biggest weaknesses this year.”

On Tuesday night, Maricopa fell to Arizona Interscholastic Association Division II Section IV rival Queen Creek High School 1-0. The Rams controlled the ball for most of the game, but Queen Creek’s early goal was enough for the Bulldogs to secure the win.

Despite ball control, the Rams were never able to mount a significant threat to Queen Creek goal keeping. Queen Creek defenders were quick to swarm Maricopa attackers, but costly offside penalties and missed passes also played a role in the Rams’ missed opportunities.

“Tonight, I think we should’ve won,” Miller said. “We controlled possession of the ball and we were in their attack. It’s really about finding that extra energy. When you get the goal, you get the boost, and we haven’t had that yet.”

The Rams will hit the road on Friday to take on section IV powerhouse Mesquite High School (Gilbert) before a home game Jan. 12 against the winless Westwood High School Warriors (Mesa).

“We’ll continue to work, but it’s disappointing when you know you’re in the game and you don’t get the result,” Miller said.

Maricopa is a long shot to have any chance at the playoffs this year, but the young Rams have laid a foundation for future success. With just two seniors on the team, Maricopa should be in contention for years to come.