Soccer Teams Kick Off Exciting Season
A record turnout of fans braved freezing weather and wind to kick off an exciting soccer season on February 15. The boys had tested the waters with great results the Saturday before by handily winning all three matches of a pre-season jamboree against three 5A teams—North Atlanta, Lithia Springs and Union Grove—by a combined score of 4–0. The first official game of the season was a tough match against Chamblee High School, last year's state runner-up in the AAAA division. The boys played head-to-head against their opponents, with Suki Bal and Ben Leblois scoring for AIS, but ultimately Chamblee's striking power prevailed. Coach Bob Geiger was upbeat despite the loss. "The boys played a spirited game with occasional bursts of brilliance. We will learn from this and become a better team," he said. Geiger is looking for great things from his roster: Sukhman Bal, Peter Gogarty, Manuel Grünenfelder, Davis Hermann, Victor Juarez, Matan Katz, Simon Kolbert, Nick Leach, Ben Leblois, Marcel Link, Thomas Malms, Yuri Pereira, Dumela Thomas, Charles Vanijcharoenkarn, Harris Wattles and T.C. Winter.
The AIS varsity girls pulled out a moral victory in their opening game later that night against the Chamblee girls. AIS went into the match as obvious underdogs, playing against a much bigger school after having the full squad at practice for the first time only the day before due to basketball conflicts. Spurred on by dedicated fans who braved the 25 degree night, the girls worked hard and dominated play in the first half. Courtney Rees scored two goals, the second a strategically-placed boot just inside the left post. The Chamblee girls came back strong in the second half but AIS pulled ahead again on a penalty kick by Caroline Geiger. Despite two injuries, AIS kept their opponents to one more goal, tying the game 3-3. Coach Ken Dawson said, "The girls played with heart and the seniors showed great leadership. It was very encouraging, and I am excited about the season. With only one team practice together, we have nowhere to go but up." Playing for the team are Kirstine Andersen, Paige Brownlow, Ana de Olano, Caroline Geiger, Claire Giblin, Cassie Huntley, Tanya Lancaster, Justine Mulliez, Bianca Paggi, Mia Palmer, Lucy Pettitt-Schieber, Courtney Rees, Kelsey Sanborn, Alanna Smith, Avery Stonestreet and Sarah Wattles.
So many boys are interested in playing soccer for the school that AIS has considered fielding two boys junior varsity teams. Coaches Neil Spencer and Tony McManus are looking forward to a strong season, with 33 boys signed on to participate. Interest has also grown in girls soccer, and AIS will field a full girls junior varsity team this year under the direction of Coach Kourosh Doulkhani. The Middle School girls soccer team began practicing on Feb. 20, and Coach Veronica McDaniel is excited about their prospects this season. All three of these teams played their first matches this week.
The weather is getting warmer, perfect for enjoying the world's most popular game. The schedules are on the school website. Come on out and support our teams!