Go Verrado!

Last Saturday, the Verrado girls soccer team won the state title over the Tucson Catalina Foothills in the Division II title match at Campo Verde High School. This 1-0 win by Verrado in penalty kicks ended Catalina Foothills’ four-year run as state champions in a game that was almost completely dominated by Catalina Foothills.

The title was not only Verrado’s first girls’ soccer title, but the first ever for the school in any sport since it’s opening in 2006!

Verrado prevailed 4-3 in penalty kicks – Verrado junior Taylor Desanti got the match-win with a kick to the left corner of the net, past Catalina Foothills goalkeeper. This was the shot that gave Verrado the advantage – ending Catalina Foothills’ 8-0 mark over its past eight state title games spanning 11 years.

The strategy by Verrado to focus on defense – and only to score if an opportunity arose – paid off when this forced a shootout. Verrado junior goalkeeper, Shea Smith, who was peppered with shots the entire match, made nine saves and came far out of the net to grab loose balls out of the air several times.

The community is thrilled with Verrado’s victory! Learn more about the game in azcentral.

For more information about life in the one-of-a-kind community, or to learn more about Verrado High School or other schools in Buckeye, visit verrado.com or join the conversation on Facebook.