La Mirada High Girls Soccer Team Captures First State Championship, Winning 1-0 Thriller

Freshman Megan Day scored the game’s solitary goal and junior goalkeeper Melissa Torres had another stellar game in the net, leading the Matadores to their 18th consecutive win to finish the season. Just two weeks before, the Matadores won their second straight CIF Southern Section championship, also besting Coastal Canyon League rival Moorpark in the final.

“Congratulations to the players and coaches of the La Mirada girls soccer team,” NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian said. “It takes great diligence and commitment to achieve at such a high level. They are an inspiration to us all.”

La Mirada’s victory was even more rewarding after being eliminated in the semifinal round of last year’s state playoffs. This year, led by seniors Maddie Bennett and Amanda Duran, the Matadores became an unstoppable force, staying focused on and off the field.

“Winners dream big dreams. At first they seem impossible, then they seem improbable, then when you summon the will, they seem inevitable,” La Mirada girls soccer coach Dave Christensen said.

“We are most proud of our back-to-back league titles, which has never been done at La Mirada. It was a true team effort. Our seniors are tremendous leaders. They instill a culture of excellence, and I am so happy for them to leave the program with a winning legacy.”

La Mirada’s triumph continues a red-hot streak for the high school’s athletic department. Both La Mirada’s football and boys basketball teams captured state championships in 2015.

“This a truly amazing achievement for La Mirada High. Not only are these students great athletes, they are also stellar students,” NLMUSD Board President Karen Morrison said. “At Norwalk-La Mirada, our students understand that rigor and discipline are the keys to a consummate education. They bring great pride to our district.”