High expectations again for Lady Gauchos

<p>The playoffs have come to be expected for the Casa Grande High girls soccer team, and this year is no exception.</p><p>In three years as head coach at Casa, Vince Cortezzo's teams have won three Sonoma County League championships and reached the North Coast Section Division II finals three times. They won twice, losing last season to Montgomery, 2-1.</p><p>The expectations are no less for the Lady Gauchos this season, as they add a group of talented sophomores to a team that lost only two starters from last season. </p><p>“We've gone from being OK to expectations of playing in the finals,” the coach explained. </p><p>Casa lost McKenna Moy, an outstanding defender, but the real hurt is the loss of All-Redwood Empire goalkeeper Ashley Luis. </p><p>Cortezzo is hoping that one of two talented sophomores, Maddy Thomas or Emily Sewall, will be able to plug he gap in the net. They have been sharing time in the early season, although Sewall played all the way in a 2-2 tie with Montgomery last week, saving the game with a brilliant stop off a penalty kick.</p><p>The rest of the Gaucho starters return, with depth added by some impressive sophomores. </p><p>Much is often made about the high-octane Casa Grande offense, but the Lady Gauchos also have a very talented and tough defense, anchored by seniors Avery Cushman, Taylor Derby and Chloe Welch. Junior Rika Goto is also a solid defender. </p><p>Noelle Laprevotte, who seems to have been around forever, is still only a junior, and is recognized as one of the best all-around players in the Redwood Empire. “She is a great player and a great person,” Cortezzo says of his talented midfielder. “She works relentlessly.”</p><p>Perpetual-motion Margi Osmundson is also one of the area's best midfielders, and senior Deirdre Hyde and junior Kylie Friedlander round out a solid starting unit.</p><p>The forward group is led by Nicole Stave, last season's leading scorer. Christina Rebata adds power to the forward spot. Both seniors are currently injured, opening the way for some of the talented sophomores such as Cierra Iribarne to gain playing time and experience. Iribarne scored the game-tying goal in the final seconds against Montgomery. </p><p>Assist master Jordyn Enes, Michelle King and junior Nicole Beecham round out a fast and persistent front line. </p><p>Courtney Rebatta and Aubrey Hagens will also be counted on to play a lot and contribute.</p><p>Casa Grande has what for soccer is a huge roster of 28 players and Cortezzo is trying to find as much playing time as possible for as many players as possible. </p><p>The Lady Gauchos are so deep that four starters sat out the Montgomery game with injuries and they still tied the area's top-rated team. </p><p>One of the coach's biggest problems is finding playing time during a tough pre-league schedule that includes perennial Redwood Empire powerhouses Montgomery, Maria Carrillo and Ursuline.</p><p>While Casa Grande has a multitude of stars, it is a team. “They are close,” Cortezzo said. “Once a week, someone hosts a team dinner, and the girls get together on their own to set team and individual goals. There is a real feeling of family, and that, I think, that has carried us through some tough games.”</p><p>It will have to carry the Lady Gauchos through some tough games again this season, as they stand as the target for every team on their schedule.</p><p>“Every time we step on the pitch, it is a big game for our opponents, and it has to be a big game for us,” Cortezzo says. “It is not going to be easy. We have to be ready every game.”</p>