Girls soccer: Steinbrenner beefs up schedule in Year 2

Last year, Steinbrenner High, which was in its first year of existence, dominated its 4A competition as the Warriors went from upstart to Cinderella story to force in Tampa area girls soccer.

The team had no seniors, as did the school, and went 14-0-2 during the regular season, including winning the elite bracket of the Sarasota Holiday Classic tournament, before taking the Class 4A-District 9 title in dominating fashion. Steinbrenner added its first region win against Palmetto, but were tripped up by eventual state final-four team Lakewood Ranch, 2-1, in the region semifinals.

Coach Teresa Patterson doesn't look at that loss the same way her team did. To them it was a disappointing end to a charmed season.

To her it was a wakeup call that if the Warriors want to advance, the team will have to face tougher competition than what was offered in the district a season ago.

So if competition was what the team needed, Steinbrenner jumped in the deep end this year by beginning the regular season at Wharton's annual Lady Wildcat Invitational tournament against Newsome, one of the county's best.

The result was a disappointment as Newsome won, 5-1.

The Wolves put together a 20-minute run in the first half and jumped out to a five-goal lead behind a quick offense and streaking runs down the flank and accurate crosses to waiting scorers.

For the final 5 minutes of the half, Steinbrenner players hung their heads and looked beaten. However, in the second half, they rebounded and scored a goal.

"We had a period there where we put our heads down," Patterson said. "But it wasn't an extended period of time and I think the fact that we came back, made some adjustments and scored with Newsome's starters on the field showed they were able to get over the shock, adjust and compete."

Despite having no seniors, the Warriors did take some hits from a season ago by losing a pair of 17-goal scorers in Marley Opila, torn ACL, and Taylor Valley, who didn't return this season. However, Steinbrenner does return its two leading scorers -- sophomore Alexis Bredeau (23 goals, 16 assists) and junior Cici Gonzalez (29 goals, 25 assists).

Also, Patterson said the Warriors have a new focused defense headed by freshman Miranda Gonzalez, Cici's sister, and Gaither transfer Lexi Bubley, a junior.

And getting better was the reason the Warriors entered the Wharton tournament. It showed in how the team finished, notching wins against 6A-8 district champ and region semifinalist Plant and 5A state runner-up Seminole.

"The team found a way to respond and win against really tough opponents in Plant and Seminole," Patterson said. "And the fact that they were able to maybe not play their best soccer, but find a way to win speaks volumes for the maturity that the tournament allowed us to achieve."

The Warriors won't have the allure of an undefeated regular season behind them this year, nor will Steinbrenner be the upstart or the Cinderella story. Patterson just hopes the team gets better.