Super cyclone of Scorps

Camarillo opens season with visions of winning Coastal Canyon League title



VISUALIZE SUCCESS—Camarillo head coach Bryan Monka talks with his players during a recent practice.

VISUALIZE SUCCESS—Camarillo head coach Bryan Monka talks with his players during a recent practice.

GIRLS’ SOCCER /// Camarillo Scorpions

Looks can be deceiving.

At first glance, Camarillo High’s girls’ soccer team appears to be a mild-mannered and undersized bunch.

But senior captain Brooklyn Lewis, a fourth-year varsity goalkeeper, said it’d be silly to underestimate this cyclone of Scorpions.

“You’d see us warming up and people might think we look soft, but, when we step on the field, it’s just chaos,” Lewis said. “We’re just here to wreck it.”

The Scorpions (4-0-2 overall) have overwhelmed foes so far, going undefeated in six nonleague matches.

Amy White

Amy White

“Defensively, everyone’s willing to work really hard,” first-year head coach Bryan Monka said. “That helps put pressure on the other teams and allows us to create opportunities for ourselves.”

Camarillo opened Coastal Canyon League action Jan. 10 with a 1-1 draw against Moorpark, a team the Scorpions have struggled against since the league formed in 2014. Camarillo plays host to Simi Valley at 6:45 tonight.

While the offense is still finding its stride, Monka is all settled in at Camarillo.

“I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “They’re a great group of girls and they’re really talented. Their attitude is really good. That’s important to me.”

Kailey Monahan

Kailey Monahan

Monka, a 1999 Rio Mesa graduate who played soccer at UC Santa Barbara and professionally for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the United Soccer League, has assisted at St. Bonaventure, Westlake and Oaks Christian. He currently runs the Monka Soccer Academy Football Club, which he started three years ago.

“To have a coach that has played high school, college and pro is awesome because he can show us all the things he’s gone through personally,” Lewis said of Monka. “He’s very cool and relaxed with us.”

BRAIN GAMES—Aiko Trahan, a junior forward for the Camarillo High girls’ soccer team, heads the ball during a practice earlier this month. Photos by MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers

BRAIN GAMES—Aiko Trahan, a junior forward for the Camarillo High girls’ soccer team, heads the ball during a practice earlier this month. Photos by MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers

Monka said he’s been impressed with the balance the Scorpions have shown on the attack.

“We just have an overall really good team,” he said. “It’s difficult for teams to target one player when everyone can be dangerous.”

FULL STEAM AHEAD—Madison Bush, a sophomore defender for the Scorpions, dribbles the ball at practice. Bush starts for the Scorpions.

FULL STEAM AHEAD—Madison Bush, a sophomore defender for the Scorpions, dribbles the ball at practice. Bush starts for the Scorpions.

Sophomores Kailey Monahan and Kate Chikasawa lead the offense with three goals each.

Camille Prendergast, a junior midfielder, Mia Nagel, a senior captain who plays up front, and Alex Gonzalez, a junior defender, have also found the back of the net this season.

“The chemistry on and off the field is what really helps us connect on the field to be able to execute and score,” Prendergast said.

Prendergast, who has a teamhigh four assists, is the focal point of the offense. She’s played nearly every minute of every game so far this year.

 

“She’s a really solid player who is consistent,” Monka said of Prendergast. “I can rely on her in there.”

Lindsay King, a sophomore, and juniors Maile Mayer and Alexis Kakuk also apply pressure at forward.

Defenders Natalia Rodriguez, Sela Laudato, Madison Bush and Kathe Zappacosta patrol the back line in front of Lewis, a Cal State San Marcos commit, who shares playing time in goal with freshman Isabella Pozzi.

Lewis said the Scorpions have their sights set on Moorpark and that top perch in the Coastal Canyon.

“It’s a really tough, competitive league,” she said. “I think we got it. We have the hard work and determination.”

“The teams this year are going to be really different because a lot of the players are playing in the academy,” Nagel said, referring to the U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy.

Prendergast said the academy drawing players from high schools benefits Camarillo, which also lost two potential returners.

“Compared to last year, it’s not as strong,” Prendergast said of the league. “Teams like Moorpark, their entire starting lineup was academy players or they graduated. It really evens up the playing field.”

Monka said he’s confident in these Scorpions.

“Our goal is to win the league,” he said. “I think they can.”