De Anza women’s soccer team had a bittersweet finale to the season, ending its Nov. 11 matchup against Foothill College Owls in a 0-0 tie.

Neither side could be faulted for effort though. The game got off to a flying start with Foothill initially struggling to adjust to De Anza’s play. The Dons held a 4-4-2 offensive play for both halves of the game. De Anza had the better of the opening exchanges, while the Owls kept possession of the ball for the most of the first half. 

The Owls had the advantage temporarily in the second half, almost scoring with a corner kick in the 57th minute. The Dons’ defense was able to steal the ball away repeatedly, barring the Owls from scoring. 

While the teams recorded a combined 11 shots in the second half, there were no clear-cut chances for either side. The game was forced to enter a few minutes overtime as a result, and ended with contented players, even though neither team was able to take the victory.

“We played really strong this game,” midfielder Jacky Zuniga, 19, said, “just pushing forward for our sophomores.

 The Dons had a bittersweet ending to the season. Six sophomores on the team were sent off in style with hugs from fellow players and coaches.

“We played a good game and were able to stay even with Foothill,” freshman captain Samantha Beall said. “Next season we hope to win a lot more games.”

COLLISION – De Anza and Foothill’s No. 3 Kimberly Denne collide as both players try to head the ball to fellow teammates. (ALIX METANAT / LA VOZ WEEKLY)