A nerve-wracking penalty shootout decided the fate of the Vacaville High School girls soccer team Monday, as they edged past Whitney High School 7-6 to secure a spot in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II semifinals. The victory came after a hard-fought 1-1 draw through regulation and two periods of overtime, showcasing the Bulldogs’ resilience and determination.
The decisive moment fell to junior defender Makayla Adams, who calmly slotted home the game-winning penalty kick. “It was so stressful,” Adams admitted, “I didn’t even know I was gonna do it until a couple of minutes before.” Her composure in the face of pressure proved crucial, sending the Bulldogs into a celebratory dogpile on the 20-yard line. Adams explained her strategy, noting she “noticed that she wasn’t as good on her left side,” and capitalized by aiming for the right corner.
Vacaville’s path to the semifinals was made even sweeter by an upset in the quarterfinal round. No. 9 Rio Americano defeated top-seeded Tracy, meaning the Bulldogs will now host Rio Americano on Wednesday. Vacaville previously defeated Rio Americano 3-1 on December 12, according to head coach Jen Eggley, who was quick to cancel the team’s bus reservation. “We’ve faced Rio in a tournament, so it’ll be a good one,” Eggley said.
The match itself was a tense affair. Sophomore Sofia Botine gave Vacaville an early lead in the 37th minute with a shot that deflected off a Whitney defender and into the net. The Bulldogs largely controlled possession, keeping Whitney without a shot on target for much of the game. However, Whitney equalized in the 75th minute with a 30-yard free kick from senior Nina Souto.
Despite several promising opportunities, including a shot from senior Lilyanna Olmedo that hit the post in the 30th minute, Vacaville couldn’t find a go-ahead goal in regulation or overtime. A late goal from Olmedo was ruled offside, adding to the frustration.
The penalty shootout began with saves from both goalkeepers, Vacaville’s Reese Fisher and Whitney’s Addison Parsons. Both teams then converted six consecutive attempts before Fisher made a crucial save on a shot from Whitney senior Addyson Webb, setting the stage for Adams’ heroics. Fisher, a senior, described the pressure she felt, stating, “I’m a senior now and I didn’t wish to go home, so I was feeling the pressure to put it on.”
Throughout the game, Vacaville’s defense, led by senior sisters Emma and Kallie Stacey, proved impenetrable. “As they did in Vacaville’s opening-round victory, senior defenders Emma and Kallie Stacey shut down every attack that came their way,” Eggley noted. “That’s how Emma and Kallie are. They are locked in every game and they play from whistle to whistle. Nothing stops them.”
The Bulldogs’ victory underscores their team spirit and unwavering commitment. “They kept fighting for each other and they put their teammates first,” Eggley said. “They’ve got a really good bond.”
Vacaville will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s semifinal matchup against Rio Americano, aiming to continue their impressive run in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoffs. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure will be key as they strive for a championship title.
What comes next for the Vacaville Bulldogs is a crucial semifinal showdown against Rio Americano. The team will look to build on their quarterfinal victory and secure a place in the championship game. Share your thoughts on the Bulldogs’ performance and predictions for their next match in the comments below!
