MHS girls’ soccer team building on last season’s success
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers WORKING TO IMPROVE—Moorpark’s Kathryn Prati, left, fends off her teammate, Mary Lane, during a practice session at MHS. The Musketeers are looking to advance to the postseason again this year.

After being knocked out of the playoffs in the first round last year, the Moorpark girls’ soccer team is hoping to extend its season deep into the playoffs this time around.

Head coach Frank Paletta is in his 11th year coaching the Musketeers, who, according to Paletta, bring a good mix of returning players and newcomers to the pitch this season.

“I’d say we are about 50-50 this year on returnees and firstyear players on varsity,” Paletta said. “The thing that stands out early with this team is their passion for the game. They take real pride in playing together. All year long they are scattered over the area playing on different club teams, but this is the only time of the year they get to play for their hometown, and I think they are very passionate about that.”

Although Paletta said there are many things he isn’t sure about yet with the current group, he does know that they will be fast on the field.

“With our identity, I’m not sure yet what kind of game we are going to play,” Paletta said. “Whether it is a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2, I’m not really sure right now. One thing I am sure of is that our team speed is great. Player for player, this is the fastest team I have ever coached.”

Moorpark junior Kaitlin Paletta agreed with her coach.

“We’re all pretty little out here, so I think a fast game is something we are planning to play,” she said.

Paletta returns to the team after winning the Marmonte League’s defensive MVP award in 2005-06. She is one of 13 juniors, which means that even though the Musketeers should be dangerous this season, they could be even better a year from now.

Besides the younger Paletta, Jessica Dingman should be a factor for MHS.

“Jessica has been playing great for us early on,” Coach Paletta said. “She has great heart, and I think that spills over to the rest of the team.”

Though the juniors take up over 50 percent of the squad, Moorpark could make that extra push further into the playoffs due to the surprising great play of many freshmen.

According to Coach Paletta, the team may start as many as three freshmen—Ariana Martinez, Kathryn Prati and Stacey Fujikuni.

“This team is more dedicated than in years past,” the younger Paletta said. “It might be because of the freshmen on this team. They have really worked hard and are setting a good example for other players.”

Senior Laura Spivack echoed Paletta’s statement.

“The freshmen have kind of taken it in their own hands this year,” Spivack said. “They don’t just want to be on the team and sit back and watch. They want to contribute to this team, and it’s showing.”

Moorpark experienced a major setback when Spivack, a fouryear starter, was injured early in the season. Spivack’s injury is to her left knee, and she isn’t expected back until mid-January.

“That has been my biggest heartache for me this year,” Coach Paletta said. “She is a four-year starter for us and one of our best players.”

According to Spivack, the injury has been frustrating, but she is hoping to return to form soon.

“It’s been hard,” Spivack said. “Every day has its ups and downs. Each day I do my best to come out here and root for the team. It seems everyone has stepped up in practice. Everyone on the team is dedicated and comes in with a positive attitude.”

Frank Paletta said he’s hoping the team can continue in the tra

dition of Moorpark’s football team, who recently made the CIFSouthern Section Northern Division championship game.

“This time of year I really push the sense of pride with this team,” Frank Paletta said. “All the players live here, they grew up here, and they want to win here. Our team’s love for the city of Moorpark is great, and we want to show them a good team this season.”