A Menifee-based girls soccer team is heading to the national stage. The City SC Southwest 2013 Development Player League (DPL) team has qualified for the DPL National Finals in Virginia Beach this June.
Made up largely of players from Menifee schools, the team is currently ranked No. 11 in the nation and sits in second place in the Southwest Conference with two games remaining. Wins in both matchups would secure a league title and could push the team into the Top 10 nationally.
For Head Coach Maria Aguirre-Murawski, the moment reflects years of growth that began locally.
“It’s just beautiful to watch them grow and to continue to excel,” she said.
The team’s roots trace back to 2019, when Aguirre-Murawski began volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club, working with a small group of players in the Menifee Valley area. When youth sports shut down in 2020, their progress paused, but City SC Menifee Valley, now part of City SC Southwest, was among the first local clubs to reopen.
What began as a 7-on-7 team has since progressed through multiple levels to the full 11-on-11 format they compete in today.
Along the way, the players developed a close bond and identity.
“We’re soccer sisters with fire in our cleats,” Aguirre-Murawski said. “When we perform, we leave everything on the field.”
The team, often referred to as the “Dream Team,” has faced challenges beyond the field, including the loss of a teammate’s father to COVID-19. Many of the players are also daughters of veterans, adding another layer of pride to their journey.
The group is led by an all-female coaching staff, a rarity in a male-dominated sport, Aguirre-Murawski said.
Competing in the DPL, the team earned its place at Nationals through strong performance this season. They hold a 14-2-1 record through 17 games played.
Before heading to Virginia Beach, the team will finish its regular season with matches on April 26 and May 3, with a league title still within reach.
As they prepare for Nationals, the team is seeking community support to help cover travel costs, especially as some families face financial challenges.
“These girls really deserve it. They work their butts off. They’ve earned it,” Aguirre-Murawski said. “Anything helps.”
To donate, contact the team manager at 951-536-1944 or ladyloria86@gmail.com.
