The562’s high school soccer coverage for the 2025-26 season is sponsored by Long Beach Poly soccer alum Kennedy Justin.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Former Jackrabbits Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009
Whenever Long Beach Poly and Wilson girls’ soccer square off, you can bet you’re in for a physical, emotional matchup–usually one that comes down to the final whistle.
Tuesday night’s meeting between the Jackrabbits and Bruins was no exception, and all that was missing was a goal. The visitors from Wilson generated more looks at goal–especially in the first half–but the hosts from Long Beach Poly were able to hold off a potent Bruin attack to secure the draw with their Moore League rivals.
“I’m super proud of the girls,” said Poly head coach Angel Zavala. “Wilson is always a hard battle … We have a young team, and for them to build chemistry, I think it’s starting to come together. They were fighting for each other, they’re understanding that they’re sisters out here, and I’m very proud of the game that they played … We’ll take the draw. At the end of the day, it was a great game to watch for both teams, they definitely put up a great fight.”
Wilson outshot the Jackrabbits 10-1 over the first 40 minutes, and held an 18-3 edge in shots for the game. The dynamic duo of Zoie and Kai Fontenot each had a team-high five shots, with six of those 10 shots on target.
They led the charge against the Poly goal, but couldn’t quite get past senior Zadie Kuykendall, who totaled 10 saves for the Jackrabbits.
“It was frustrating,” admitted Wilson head coach Brian Irvin after the draw. “First off, I’m proud, the girls are battling, and we’re close, we’re just missing that goal that we need … I think we did generate some good chances. It would have been nice to put one in in the first half. So now you’re not pressing as much, and can play a little bit freer.”
Zoie Fontenot had the best chance for the Bruins in the first half, as she outmuscled her defender to get a clear look on goal in the 17th minute. However, Kuykendall was able to get her fingertips on the shot, sending it careening off the crossbar and out of harm’s way.
The Fontenots threatened again just before halftime, as Kai’s shot from distance forced a save from Kuykendall, and the keeper was able to make a second save by stifling Zoie’s shot on the rebound.
After a halftime chat, the Jackrabbits were able to play their best soccer, getting three corners in the first 12 minutes of the half. Joanna Rodriguez had Poly’s best go at goal from outside the penalty area, forcing Wilson keeper Emma Jade Garcia to push the ball wide of her post.
The Jackrabbits were able to get much more possession over the second 40 minutes, and won more balls in the midfield to slow down WIlson’s attack. A key in that effort was a formation shift to get more players in the middle of the field and keep the ball more of Wilson’s side of the field.
“You’ve got to throw all the marbles in and take the chance, you know?” said Zavala. “And if we take the loss, at least we took the chance, and we didn’t play comfortable. We’ve got to throw everything out there, and we played well. We just made sure that we were trying not to let them breathe.”
The Jackrabbits brought the physicality that’s expected from this rivalry, racking up 14 fouls compared to just five for Wilson.
Over the final 10 minutes, the visitors were on the front foot, with some more quality chances at goal. Kai Fontenot put a left-footed strike on target but Kuykendall was able to make the stop above her head. In the dying minutes, a sliding shot from Liya Gilbert went over the crossbar, hitting the football goalposts before returning to the field of play.
“It’s almost there,” said Irvin of how his team is playing. “Our girls are not gonna back down from the physicality. They’re gonna battle, they’re gonna play hard.”
Wilson (3-2-2, 1-1-1) will be back in action on Thursday when they host Jordan. Long Beach Poly (1-3-1, 1-1-1) will be at Cabrillo on Thursday in their next time out.
