BRICK WALL—Simi Valley High senior goalkeeper Claire Reiss makes a save during practice. WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers Mark Johnson offers a laugh when asked to describe his team.

“They’re so screwballish,” he said.

The Simi Valley High girls’ soccer squad may be a goofy bunch—the Pioneers enjoy dancing during warm-ups and have their share of inside jokes—but they know how to win.

Simi Valley is 10-0-1.

The Pioneers beat Calabasas 3-0 and had a 0-0 tie with Moorpark in their first two Marmonte League games.

It’s been hard to find fault in any facet of the team’s game.

Samantha Gavirati, a senior sweeper, said the offense has been the difference so far.

“Our offense is really strong this year,” Gavirati said.

“Reagan (Russell) and Ali (Sauve) have really good footwork. They can dribble and take shots quickly. In our league you need at least three or four strong offensive players. We’ve never had those three or four players who play well together.”

Nine Pioneers have combined to score more than 40 goals.

Senior forward Rochelle Duffau is the team’s second-leading scorer, while junior Chelsey Empero provides depth at the position.

Russell, a sophomore, missed her entire freshman year with an injury but is now playing at a high level.

Catherine Sandoval, a junior center-midfielder and secondyear captain, said Simi Valley is scoring early and the defense has been able to thwart attempted comebacks.

“We work well together,” said Sandoval, who has chipped in with six goals. “We have a lot of heart on the team.”

Senior goalkeeper Claire Reiss said Sandoval plays like a bull.

“She’s a strong midfielder,” Reiss said. “Whenever we sub her out, we lack something. She can see a play (develop). She’s a good leader.”

Johnson, in his 31st season leading the Pioneers, said Sandoval is the brains, Duffau the emotion and Gavirati the heart of the team.

Reiss is the one who can save the game with her leopardlike dexterity.

“She keeps us in close games,” the coach said of Reiss.

“She makes some unbelievable saves. She will stop one ball that should be a goal each game. You can’t just be lucky— you need the perfect shot to score on Claire.”

Reiss is a vocal and confident leader who enjoys playing goalkeeper.

“For me, it’s like a chess game,” Reiss said. “I have to see what play comes next and see what happens ahead of time. I have to be the eyes and mouth on the field.”

Seniors Samantha Mendoza and Angela Castellanos are defenders.

Marissa Huecker, Stefani Schultz, Morgan Kalajian, Shannon Buckley, Amanda Rosellini, Julie Keller, Trina Galvis and Jessica Guetzoian also contribute for Simi Valley.

Johnson likes how his team has experience, youth . . . and a little silliness.

“They play hard and they work hard, but they like to have a little fun,” the coach said. “They’re a good group of young ladies. Every team is different and unique, and this team has its own personality.

“The girls play as one unit and work for each other. If one player misses, another is there to pick up the slack. There are 11 girls sacrificing day in and day out, and that’s very pleasing to see as a coach.”

The Pioneers next play on Wed., Jan. 6 at Thousand Oaks.

They are looking forward to the rest of the league slate, especially two games against city rival Royal.

The schools have settled for four ties in the past two seasons.

“We want to beat Royal,” Sandoval said.

Johnson warned that the 14-game league season is an unforgiving, brutal stretch.

“We have the potential to win league,” he said. “Nobody will give you anything. It’s not about the first seven games in the Marmonte. The last seven league games you need to win.

“You don’t go undefeated in the Marmonte League. There are too many hard games that are mentally and physically tough.”

Simi Valley still has a solid chance to make its first playoff appearance in six seasons. Then the Pioneers can really bust a move.