Amid COVID-19 precautions and concerns, the Immaculata La-Salle girls soccer team is undergoing a start to its season unlike any other. In an offseason in which they dealt with the graduation of six seniors the Lady Royal Lions are forced to adjust their line up in preparation for the road ahead.  

With the pandemic going on, the girls soccer team was afraid they would not have a normal season. Luckily, with the right precautions, they have been able to make a team and start the season.

Practices have been shortened due to sharing the field with boys soccer and football, so the girls will have to use this season to get into shape and progress in time for playoffs. They moved some of their workouts to the smaller field next to the Youth Center in preparation for a difficult season ahead.

“Socially distance, non-contact, and more drills than scrimmages” is how ILS girls soccer head coach Anthony Vuono described their practices this year.

The players must wear mask during warm-ups, while on the bench, and during water breaks.

Even with social distancing the players are still making sure they are unified. Despite the tumultuous nature of the offseason and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, the Lady Royal Lions are confident heading into the season.

“One of my goals is to get as far as we can and win districts, regionals, and even states,” said senior Sabrina Sousa, this year’s team captain.

The team and coaches feel they are prepared to meet their goals and bring back the values that their team has always shown for the last 20 years.

The Lady Royal Lions are 1-2 so far this season, having lost their season opener but bouncing back against Coral Shores to win 4-0. Most recently, they dropped a game against Carrollton.

In the victory over Coral Shores, junior Nicole Nielsen led the way with two goals and one assist. Juniors Hanah Gonzalez and Deanna Prieto each scored a goal as well. Gonzalez also added two assists.

Regardless of what the record shows, the Lady Royal Lions don’t plan on shutting its engine any time soon.

“We are ILS,” said Coach Vuono. “We are ready for anything.”