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The 2007 Blake girls soccer season is one of high anticipation and expectations. The Bears return a large core of players from a team that earned a record of 17-1-1 last year and went undefeated in the competitive Tri-Metro conference. Although the Bears were ranked #2 in state going into sectional play in 2006, they were once again eliminated in the finals after losing to Benilde 3-2 in double overtime. Whether the girls continue to realize similar success this year will largely depend on their continued focus on a possession oriented style of play and a solid work ethic.
This will be the first time in a number of seasons that the squad will have experience on its side as a majority of the girls have varsity play under their belt and are also upperclassmen. In fact, the roster brings with it over 30 combined seasons of varsity experience as well as 8 players that have already played on the team for 3 or more consecutive years. Leading the squad will be senior captains Megan Gallivan and Emily Moos, both of whom earned All-State honors last year and have a combined 7 years of varsity experience.
Defensively the Bears have been very strong the past few years, and this season should be no different. Senior Sarah Carpenter, Juniors Kate Laxson, Kathryn Vincent, and Michelle Tremblay, along with freshmen Claire Wilson, all return to anchor a defense that gave up less than 0.5 goals per game last year. Between the posts, the team will look to Vincent, junior Amanda Wasley, and freshmen Addie Adams to keep the ball out of the net as goalkeepers.
Moos will lead a midfield that will definitely add to the strength of the defense, but more importantly aims to add a more potent offensive punch. Senior Steph Shelton, Juniors Abby Fink and Sarah Pomerantz, and freshmen Korleki Akiti all look to make significant contributions to the midfield as well. Offensively the Bears will be anchored by Gallivan along with fellow seniors Jillian Avery, Sam Butters, and Anna Savin. Seniors Ronni Peterson and Cody Arundel, as well as junior newcomer Courtney Randolph, will also add some offensive diversity to this group.
The Bears kickoff their season in St. Cloud the weekend of August 24 against St. Cloud Tech and 2006 state qualifier Sartell. Be sure to catch them in action this season as it should be a very exciting group to watch. GO BLAKE! GO BEARS!
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