The Orange County Soccer Nation boasts the #1 team in the country according to the MaxPreps Freeman Ranking! The first annual MaxPreps Girls' Soccer Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard brought us to Aliso Niguel High School in sunny California. Their girl's soccer team brought home the hardware this past spring after defeating San Clemente HS in the State Championship by a score of 3-2. After finishing in second place in league play to San Clemente HS, the Wolverines battled through the playoffs and squared off with San Clemente for a rematch. After being down 0-2 through most of the game, the Wolverines battled back and stole the game, and the No. 1 position in the national polls.
On April 4th, 2012, Aliso Niguel was the destination for not only hometown fans, but for national renowned high school organizations and news media. In efforts to recognize the Aliso Niguel girl's soccer team, MaxPreps and the California Army National Guard presented the coveted Army National Guard national ranking trophy or the "Minuteman" to Coach Randy Dodge and his team. With about 500 students, school administration, community and family member in attendance, the Lady Wolverines converged onto the Lunch Quad Area for a memorable celebration. The young ladies were beaming with pride as they each held up the prestigious trophy and smiled for pictures in front of family, friends, administrators and media.
Coach Randy Dodge opened up the lunch hour ceremony by greeting the school and thanking everyone for their support. He also expressed his appreciation to MaxPreps and the Army National Guard for this recognition. Then, he turned it over to the MaxPreps representative who explained the 1st Annual Girls Soccer Tour of Champions and informed all in attendance about the history of MaxPreps and its longstanding partnership with the Army National Guard. Then, he welcomed Sergeant First Class Noah Ronquillo of the California Army National Guard to offer remarks and to present the trophy. Ronquillo spoke about the values of the Army National Guard and how teams that achieve such greatness exhibit the same types of qualities as serving in the Army National Guard. He presented the trophy over to Coach Randy Dodge and the Aliso Niguel team gathered around Coach Dodge and positioned themselves right away for pictures and interviews.
The atmosphere was very laid back and informal, displaying the Orange County informal approach to life and community. Although they seemed to be relaxed and down-to-earth off the field, their approach to soccer and competition breeds competitive greatness on the field. Congratulations to Coach Randy Dodge and the Lady Wolverine soccer team!!! You are National Champions!
