2005 Girls' Soccer Preview
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The 2005 Blake Girls’ soccer season looks to be another promising one. Although the Bears graduated four key players (A. Bacon, K. Boyd, K. Greenberg, and H. Thurber) that received much recognition, they return thirteen varsity players to the team this year. Despite the fact that many experienced players are on the squad, youth still abounds as three freshmen and six sophomores are present on the roster. Led by captains Melissa Davis and Vanessa Nesbitt, the team has already developed a good sense of team chemistry, both on and off the field. The girls have demonstrated that communication is a must and that personal glory is sacrificed for the common goal. The squad has displayed solid technical skills and has also been confidently knocking the ball around the pitch with purpose.
The 2004 Bears only allowed the ball to find their net 12 times last season in 18 games, and the defense this year appears to be just as solid or quite possibly more stingy. Sarah Carpenter and Kathryn Vincent return to their starting positions and Katie Laxson, Kate Gordon, and Ariel Knutson will add support there as well. In the central midfield, Megan Gallivan and Emily Moos will offer up much leadership, tenacity, and controlled play. Anne Stake, leading point scorer from last year, returns to her outside midfield position, and opposite her Beth Davis will add an equally strong left side. Abby Fink, Jillian Avery, Samantha Butters, and Vanessa Nesbitt will contribute significantly to these positions as well. Up top the Bears are sure to pack a more potent punch this season. Melissa Davis, Makenzie Mouser, and Anna Savin carry with them diverse individual talents that will definitely keep opposing defenses on their toes. Julia Heffelfinger will be between the posts this year and has already gained much confidence and proven she can come through with big saves. Senior Kelly Wubben will act as her backup.
The preseason has been characterized as one emphasizing team defense and building up an attack with disciplined, but creative play, combined with a constant support network. Most importantly, an ongoing key focus has been on a short passing style game that includes using the width of the field and switching the ball. Much like last season, this year the hope is that bench play will keep the level of soccer equal to that of the starters. With the great number of returning letter winners and talented newcomers, 80 minutes of playing at a high level of soccer should be commonplace for the Bears.
Once gain the girls have a very challenging schedule matches against Holy Angels, Benilde-Saint Margaret's, Minneapolis South, Saint Louis Park, Saint Paul Academy, Minnehaha, Breck, and Visitation. The girls are bound to make a run for the conference title this year despite the fact the Tri Metro continues to be one of the strongest in state. In addition, although they are faced with a reorganized section this year that without a doubt offers up the stiffest competition in state, the team has high hopes for a state tournament appearance.
Overall, the 2005 Bears are hoping to pick up right where they left off last season, with 11 consecutive wins prior to their section final loss. With a strong JV and B squad, led the talents and experience of coach Joan Seivold and Santiago Carreno, the program appears to be sustained with talent that will fuel the tradition of solid soccer in the near future.
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