San Juan girls soccer team battles hard in opening week games

by Rhett Sifford
Sports Editor
The 2025-2026 high school sports season officially got underway on Wednesday, August 6 with the San Juan girls soccer team hosting the American Leadership Academy Lady Eagles.
In an exciting match, the two teams scored a goal apiece in the first half and a goal apiece in the second, finishing in a 2-2 tie at the end of regulation time.
Unfortunately for the Lady Broncos, American Leadership scored two more goals in the overtime period, distancing themselves for a 4-2 final.
Senior Evelyn McCullough and freshman Ellie Beck scored the goals for San Juan. The Lady Broncos blasted 17 shots on goal in the loss.
The next day, Thursday, August 7, San Juan hit the road for their second game of the season at Emery High School in Castle Dale. 
The girls were unable to overcome a three-goal effort from the Lady Spartans, suffering a tough 3-1 loss in the match.
After a couple days off to enjoy the weekend San Juan was right back on the pitch for a game with Draper APA this past Monday, August 11.
The Lady Broncos were unable to get on the board in the match, suffering a 1-0 loss at the hands of the Lady Eagles.
Despite the 0-3 start, third-year head coach Courtney Hurst said she’s pleased with the way the team played in the past week.
“The season kicked off with high energy and an even higher level of determination from the team,” she began. “We are glad to be getting in a few non-region games before we start region play.
“Although we have yet to win a game, we keep mentioning that the score of the game doesn’t reflect how hard these girls have worked and how far the girls soccer program has come. They are showing the kind of teamwork that comes from shared commitment.
“Looking ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about,” Hurst continued. “The talent on this roster runs deep. As the weeks go on, our goal is to sharpen our decision making and maintain confident possession under pressure.
“If the early games are any indication, this is going to be a season full of growth, grit, and moments we’ll remember for years.”
The team is coming off a 2024 season in which they won six games – the most season wins in program history.
The 2025 roster includes just three seniors, six juniors, ten sophomores, and nine freshmen. The Lady Broncos have a few days to prepare for their next match, on the road against North Summit on Wednesday, August 20.