Pershing County’s last home soccer game of the year could have gone better. The Mustangs went in with 11 players instead of their usual 19 and lost 7-0 to Sage Ridge.
“Even though we went in with a smaller squad, the ladies played a great game,” said coach Matt Fuller, now completing his 13th year at the helm.
His wife Cassidie shared coaching duties this fall.
“The team moved the ball around, they communicated, and the best part is they had fun,” said Fuller.
At the start of the season, the team battled through smoke from distant wildfires. They’ve faced injuries and adversity head on. Last Friday, nothing could stop them from honoring their three senior players – Sidonie Cassoret, Anna Jimenez and Kylee Fuller.
“It was fun to have a senior game with such a great turnout for the ladies,” said Fuller. “Their family and friends came to watch.”
Cassoret, an exchange student from France, said her favorite memory was the homecoming game, “where we whooped Battle Mountain.” She thanked her coaches and host family – Jonathan and Megan Reynolds.
“Even though Sidonie was new this year, she came out and did a tremendous job on defense by shutting down the attack,” said Fuller.
Kylee Fuller and Anna Jimenez each played four years of soccer, but their passion for the sport goes back even further.
“Anna and Kylee have been playing in the same system since middle school and always do a great job of executing the plays on the field,” said Fuller.
Jimenez’s favorite memory is scoring from the ten-yard-line and “buying a fish at an away game.” She said she’ll miss playing with her team and hearing her grandpa screaming at her from the sidelines.
Kylee Fuller has been the team captain for over two years. She appreciates the team’s supportiveness. “If I could choose anyone to be by my side, it would be these girls,” she said.
“This was a great year for me,” said coach Fuller. “I coached my daughter all four years of her high school career. Coaching Kylee has been a big part of my life. She’s been there all 13 years of my high school coaching career. I’m going to miss her and all the fun we had over the years.”
Kylee Fuller added that she’ll miss her coach, who she’s been lucky enough to call dad.
“From going on bus trips when I was little to practicing my shots on hot summer days, he’s always been by my side. Without him, I wouldn’t be the soccer player I am today.”
