In a season marked by resilience, creativity, and exceptional performances, the Menlo School Girls Varsity Soccer team delivered one of its most inspiring campaigns in recent years. Under the guidance of Coach Ross Ireland, the Knights navigated a challenging schedule and overcame adversity to emerge as a force in California high school soccer.
Key Contributors:
Roya Rezaee (Attacking Midfielder) – The creative spark behind Menlo’s attack, Roya led the team in both goals and assists. Her flair for the spectacular—goals, passes, fakes, and dazzling footwork—made her a nightmare for defenders and a true game-changer throughout the season.
Angelica Chou (Forward) – Before a mid-January injury in practice, Chou was the most dangerous attacker in the region. Her pace, skill, and scoring prowess set the tone early in the season and left a lasting mark.
Season Overview:
Despite a difficult pre-season schedule and the untimely loss of their top offensive weapon, the Knights battled through to make a deep postseason run, culminating in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the NorCal Semifinals. Major highlights included a 5-1 rout of Los Gatos, a signature win over Sacred Heart Prep, and a tense, gritty victory over Menlo-Atherton.
Coach Ireland praised the team’s ability to rebound from setbacks and maintain intensity, especially during the postseason stretch.
Defining Moments:
Win vs. Sacred Heart Prep: A pivotal game that cemented Menlo as the league’s top contender.
Victory over Menlo-Atherton: Showcased the team’s resilience and late-season form.
CCS 1st Round Penalty Shootout vs. Carlmont: An emotional and dramatic moment that highlighted the team’s grit under pressure.
Emerging Leaders:
Several players embraced bigger roles as the season unfolded.
Krista Arreola stood out as a leader through her actions and influence.
Julia Axelrod and Audrey Hochstetler showed unrelenting commitment and pride in wearing the jersey.
Bianca Putanec emerged as a strong vocal presence, helping guide the team in key moments.
Team Resilience:
Through injuries, absences, and occasional flat performances, the team consistently bounced back, demonstrating a deep collective belief and emotional unity that carried them through the highs and lows of the season.
Senior Class Legacy:
This senior class poured their hearts into the program. Their leadership, energy, and all-in attitude left an indelible impact. The emotion felt at season’s end was a clear reflection of the passion they brought every day.
Looking Ahead:
With a strong foundation and considerable depth returning, expectations are already high for next season. Coach Ireland is optimistic about the program’s future, with hopes of maintaining and building on this year’s success.
Offseason Outlook:
While offseason opportunities are limited, Coach Ireland hopes for a healthy, focused, and equally driven team to return in November, ready to push the program even further.
 – The creative spark behind Menlo’s attack, Roya led the team in both goals and assists. Her flair for the spectacular—goals, passes, fakes, and dazzling footwork—made her a nightmare for defenders and a true game-changer throughout the season.
Angelica Chou (Forward) – Before a mid-January injury in practice, Chou was the most dangerous attacker in the region. Her pace, skill, and scoring prowess set the tone early in the season and left a lasting mark.
Season Overview:
Despite a difficult pre-season schedule and the untimely loss of their top offensive weapon, the Knights battled through to make a deep postseason run, culminating in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the NorCal Semifinals. Major highlights included a 5-1 rout of Los Gatos, a signature win over Sacred Heart Prep, and a tense, gritty victory over Menlo-Atherton.
Coach Ireland praised the team’s ability to rebound from setbacks and maintain intensity, especially during the postseason stretch.
Defining Moments:
Win vs. Sacred Heart Prep: A pivotal game that cemented Menlo as the league’s top contender.
Victory over Menlo-Atherton: Showcased the team’s resilience and late-season form.
CCS 1st Round Penalty Shootout vs. Carlmont: An emotional and dramatic moment that highlighted the team’s grit under pressure.
Emerging Leaders:
Several players embraced bigger roles as the season unfolded.
Krista Arreola stood out as a leader through her actions and influence.
Julia Axelrod and Audrey Hochstetler showed unrelenting commitment and pride in wearing the jersey.
Bianca Putanec emerged as a strong vocal presence, helping guide the team in key moments.
Team Resilience:
Through injuries, absences, and occasional flat performances, the team consistently bounced back, demonstrating a deep collective belief and emotional unity that carried them through the highs and lows of the season.
Senior Class Legacy:
This senior class poured their hearts into the program. Their leadership, energy, and all-in attitude left an indelible impact. The emotion felt at season’s end was a clear reflection of the passion they brought every day.
Looking Ahead:
With a strong foundation and considerable depth returning, expectations are already high for next season. Coach Ireland is optimistic about the program’s future, with hopes of maintaining and building on this year’s success.
Offseason Outlook:
While offseason opportunities are limited, Coach Ireland hopes for a healthy, focused, and equally driven team to return in November, ready to push the program even further.
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