Wilson’s Haley Kaiser (17) goes up for the ball in front of La Canada’s Samantha Hosford (9) in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Wilson’s Evan Cassidy (3) and La Canada’s Juliette Evans (13) battle for the ball in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Players on the La Canada girls soccer team celebrate their 2-0 win over Wilson in the first round of CIF in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Wilson’s Evan Cassidy (3) tries to get the ball from La Canada’s Tiffani Na-Nakornpanom (2) in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Canada’s Alyssa Dayha (18) kicks the ball away from Wilson’s Malia Salonga (5) in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Wilson’s Coco Gonzalez (18) kicks the ball away from La Canada’s Abby Henry (11) in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Canada’s Caitlin Aguilar (4) and Wilson’s Brielle Abby Salazar (14) battle for the ball in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Canada’s Andrea Server (21) looks to get the ball from Wilson’s Ella George (11) in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
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Wilson’s Haley Kaiser (17) goes up for the ball in front of La Canada’s Samantha Hosford (9) in Long Beach, CA, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
LONG BEACH — Wilson’s girls soccer team had its season come to an abrupt end Thursday with a loss to LaCañada 2-0 in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs.
Just five minutes into the contest, La Cañada’s Samantha Hosford outran the Bruins’ defense and pushed a shot past goalkeeper Violet Corona to take the lead.
“We had a lot of antsy and anticipation, but we came out here and the team played amazing,” said Hosford.
The senior captain was a nightmare for the Bruins’ defense, as she scored both goals for the Spartans.
Her second goal came in the final six minutes of the game.
Wilson (12-5-2) came into the match riding a five-game winning streak, having shut out all five of their opponents by a combined score of 23-0.
The game Thursday was Wilson’s first home playoff game since 2022.
Both teams finished second in their respective leagues.
From the beginning of the contest, Wilson struggled to move the ball, often turning the ball over to the Spartans (9-7-4) at midfield.
Hosford quickly tore apart the Wilson defense on her first goal and set the tone for the game.
“It’s tough when you fall behind in the first five minutes,” Wilson coach Brian Irvin said. “Now you are kind of chasing the game, you’re back on your heels. We just couldn’t find the back of the net.”
Late in the first half, Wilson had a chance at the equalizer on a free kick from senior Ryan Sorensen. La Cañada goalkeeper Samantha Drobis pushed the ball just above the top post to avoid the score.
The second half was no different for the Bruins, as their offensive struggles continued.
Midway through the second half, senior Evan Cassidy drove the ball past Spartans goalkeeper Samantha Drobis but failed to capitalize on the play when a defender blocked her attempt.
“We knew it was going to be a very tough challenge but the biggest thing we’ve had is how well we play as a team,” said La Cañada coach Kevin Neumeier. “It was a total team effort so I’m very proud of them.”
In the final six minutes of the contest, La Cañada’s Juliette Evans delivered a perfect free kick pass to Hosford, who quickly tipped it into the right post of Wilson keeper Emma Jade Garcia. Garcia had been substituted in for Corona at halftime.
“Yeah, I got the goals, but I couldn’t have done it without them,” Hosford said of her teammates. “It was great because I think it gave our team the momentum they needed to take us through the rest of the game.”
Despite the loss, Irvin spoke highly of his team’s growth and discipline, especially in regard to his younger players.
“We had three freshman starters if you look at our defense. So, I was very proud of the mix of veteran leadership and the youth that was able to do well for us this year,” he said. “We lost 16 seniors, so my goal is to continue to build on this and we have to get past the first round of playoffs.”