After a heartbreaking 1-0 loss last year to Campo Verde in the state semifinals last season, the Verrado Vipers' girls soccer team had a bad taste in their mouths all offseason. 

The Vipers are fully prepared to make another deep playoff run, this time with hopes of coming out as state champions.

Verrado only graduated four seniors last year, and most of last year’s team will be returning again this year.  They will look for their experienced youth to carry them throughout the season and into the playoffs. 

Verrado kicked off the season with a win in a scrimmage at Millennium on Dec. 3rd, followed by winning their season opener a week later on Dec. 10th against Cesar Chavez.

The Vipers, led by coach David Hopkinson, are very much looking forward to what the upcoming season has to offer.  Senior Karissa Romero and Hopkinson agreed that they were looking forward to the first game of the year against Cesar Chavez. 

They also have Jan. 21st circled on their calendars, as Verrado travels to Raymond S. Kellis, which seems to be Verrado's toughest challenge of the year. 

The expectations may be high, but the Vipers are fully capable of playing up to that level and look to do so this year in hopes of returning to the postseason.

Senior Kelly Smith has played on varsity since her freshman year and is excited to lead her team throughout the season and into the state playoffs. 

“In order to make it to the playoffs and to succeed while we’re there, we need to perform similar to how we have in the past and we need to all play up to our potential," Smith said. " I’m most excited to play together as a team for one last year.” 

Karissa Romero, who also has her fair share of Verrado varsity soccer experience, gave her insight on playing her final year as a Viper. 

“We’ve moved up a division this year, so better, more intense games can be expected," she said. " I’m really looking forward to the competition we will be facing this year after moving up.  It gives us a reason to fight even harder.” 

The Vipers are working hard at practice, with last year’s devastating loss serving as motivation. 

Although the Vipers may be young, they do not lack talent.  In fact, they are scary good. 

With so many offensive weapons and a shutdown defense, the Vipers look to return to the state playoffs to take care of unfinished business.