Branson girls varsity soccer has kicked off yet another season with a great start after winning both NCS and MCAL titles last year.

As of Jan. 25, the team sits in third place in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) with a league record of 5-1-1 and an overall record of 12-1-4. 

By far, one of the most difficult games for the team was their battle against Tamalpais High School. They played hard until the end and put up a fight as tough competitors.

Goalie Ella Loiacono ‘24 described their only MCAL loss, saying, “We just couldn’t connect which was really frustrating, but I think we showed out in the second half and really dominated.”

Every year there are new players, and this year, three ninth-graders joined the team, including starters Julia Myerberg ‘27 and Tait Anderson ‘27.

“I’m thrilled to be starting on this team, and I’m so lucky to be playing with such skilled teammates,” said Myerberg.

Currently, the top goalscorer on the team is Ally Hsieh ‘25, who has racked up 15 goals and 12 assists this season—second in the MCAL for total goal contributions.

In a pre-season interview, coach Tyler Gottschalk emphasized the team’s “rock-solid” defense. “Team defending is a strength, and everyone puts in the work defensively,” he said.

Looking at the stats, it is no surprise that he would say that, as the team has only conceded five goals this season, which is the third least in the MCAL.

The team has also excelled on the attack, scoring 23 goals, second most in the MCAL.

As an athletics coach at Branson, Gottschalk understands the importance of Branson’s core values in team sports. He said these are understated in the team’s goals.

“Every year, our number one goal is to approach every day in a way that would honor the teams that have come before [our current players],” he said. “Honoring the way they’ve supported each other, their hard work.”