Girls soccer program returns 10 varsity players

The girls soccer program brings back 10 varsity players to the squad this season and will add five more to the roster.

Seven of the 10 returnees were all-league players and will bring leadership and experience to the team. Five of the seven are seniors: Tori Carlson; Lily Hicks; Katie Taylor; Nicole Veloso; and Mackenzie Williams. Hattie Tehan (junior) and Mindy Marr (sophomore) were also all-league players.

Tori Carlson will start again at goal, and Coach Nik Goertzen is surprised by how well-rounded Carlson is in her keeper skills.

"I'm very excited to have her in the goal," said Goertzen. "She's got all the physical attributes, and if I can just get her to be more vocal with her defenders, oh man, she'll be great."

Hicks will anchor the defense and play a dual role at both sweeper and stopper. The defense will revolve around Hicks, and she'll be the one that gives the commands to the rest of the defense. If Hicks is on top of her game the Lady Outlaws should be very tough defensively.

Taylor (forward) will play a major role in the Outlaws' offensive threat. Taylor led the league last year with 16 goals.

"She's going to draw a lot of attention," said Goertzen. "She's going to need to know when to give up the ball and when to hang on and go for the goal. Katie will have to work a little harder on her motion and speed on the field. We can't have her just roam and cherry pick. She's going to need to be more of a threat by being more active."

Veloso (defender) is coming off of an injury and has been working on stabilizing her ankle and strengthening her legs and hopefully will be able to play without pain.

"If we can get Nicole injury-free, she'll be an important clog in my defensive scheme," said Goertzen. "I'm also looking to her to provide leadership and toughness."

Goertzen has tagged Williams (midfield) with the nickname Wild Card, and the name fits perfectly to what Goertzen expects from her this season.

"She's my ace in the hole and one of the most gifted players I have. She's going to be all over the place and causing havoc when she's attacking and defending. She's going to really mix it up and put a lot of pressure on the opponent's defense."

Tehan (forward) has been dubbed Payday, and Goertzen said that if she's not being defended, she'll make the opposing team pay.

"If our opponents aren't prepared to deal with Hattie, she's going to tear them up," said Nik. "She's going to have more freedom to attack different defenses offensively because of her ability. She's going to come out of her shell this year."

Marr (midfielder) rounds out the all league returnees and will be moving from left inside midfield to center midfield. Goertzen said she will own the middle of the field, have the freedom to move forward to attack and also the freedom to come back and help on defense if needed. Marr will distribute the ball to the forwards and defend the middle so the team can spread players out.

Taylor Pelham (senior defender), Jenna Sneva (junior) and Loryn Cummins (sophomore) also return as varsity players.

Pelham suffered an injury last season and is working on building up her physical strength.

"She's getting hungry," said Goertzen, "and I can see it in her eyes. She's stronger and tougher and gaining confidence everyday."

Sneva will be the Lady Outlaws backup keeper and also play on defense to mix it up a little.

Cummins will move from defense to right midfield this season.

"Loryn needs to come out of her shell and step it up to have a successful season," said Goertzen. "She needs to get a little meaner and not be so nice."

Five new players will join the veteran squad: Karah Herr (sophomore midfielder); Marin Allen (freshman forward); Peggy Barrett (freshman defender); Kelly Cole (freshman midfielder); and Breezy Tewalt (freshman forward).

Goertzen told The Nugget that there is a bit of pressure on the newcomers.

"There's a little pressure on the new players. They are going to have to come off the bench and find ways to contribute."

Goertzen also noted that there are several keys to a successful season for the Outlaws.

"With the loss of six seniors, the returning players are going to have to step it up and consistently give us a strong field presence with positive results and stay injury free. We're also going to need contributions from our five new players," the coach Goertzen said.