Girls soccer team relies on experience and grit

The Lady Outlaws soccer team will return 10 experienced players to the varsity squad this season. Second-year coach Nik Goertzen told The Nugget that this year fans will see more team play, more attack from the back and more consistency in execution.

Seniors Jenna Sneva (second team all-league) and Hattie Tehan will play a key role in the Outlaws defense. Sneva will be the Outlaws' primary goalie but will also see action at the sweeper position.

Jenna's presence on defense will be critical because of her aggressiveness, said Goertzen.

Tehan, who has played forward for the past two seasons, will take on a new role this year as the teams stopper.

"I need Hattie more involved on both offense and defense and putting her in the middle will create more opportunity for her to be consistently involved. She's a physical player with the ability to distribute the ball. Hattie and Jenna will spearhead the middle," said Goertzen.

Junior Mindy Marr (second team all-league) will anchor the midfield for the Outlaws. Goertzen told the Nugget that the team will need Mindy to score more goals for them this season which will stretch Marr a bit, since she's such an unselfish player.

Loryn Cummins (junior) will anchor the right side of the defense and also see some time at midfield.

"Loryn is going to be asked to do a lot of consistent corner kicks for us this year," said Goertzen. "I want to utilize her foot strength and I also want her more involved in free kicks."

Junior Karah Herr will play at forward and Coach Goertzen said he's expecting at least 10 goals from her this season.

"The key for Karah will be to finish the ball with consistency and good energy. She's going to be a bit of an unknown to our opponents. I see big potential for her this year," said Goertzen.

Five sophomores, Breezy Tewalt, Marin Allen (forward), Kelly Cole (outside midfield), Peggy Barrett and McKenzie Cooper (outside midfield) also return to the solid lineup.

Tewalt will have a multi-role this year and see time at forward and the midfield. Breezy's strengths lie in her footwork and her powerful legs. Goertzen said he is going to look to Tewalt to distribute the ball and finish.

"Marin is our little spark plug," said Goertzen. "She has very high energy and is all over the place, which frustrates her opponent. We need her to play more steady and consistent with high energy. Between Marin and Karah I hope we can open up the floodgates."

Cole is a very athletic player with great speed, who can cross the ball better than anyone on the team. The team will need Coles ability to cross from the middle so they can finish with consistency. Goertzen told The Nugget that anything the Outlaws can get from Cole in scoring will be a bonus.

Barrett will play on defense and also as backup keeper. She is very vocal on defense, especially in the heat of battle. Barrett has a very strong leg, which is one of the reasons she was moved to goal. She is able to bring the ball out to the six-foot line and kick it to center field - or further - on a consistent basis.

Cooper will also play outside midfield. Goertzen said, "McKenzie's strengths are her speed and her height," and he's hoping her height will help the Outlaws win the ball in the air on the offensive end.

New to the team is senior Kiana Jiminez who will see time on defense.

"Kiana's size (close to six feet) will be a big advantage. We need to do a better job of winning balls in the air, especially crosses, and I'm hoping Kiana's height will help us in that area. Her aggressive demeanor will also be a huge asset," said Goertzen.

Three freshmen, Zoey McAllister, Sara Small and Michelle Young, also join the squad.

McAllister will play inside middle, and along with Marr and Tehan will be responsible for setting the tone in the middle. Goertzen told The Nugget that McAllister's speed and endurance is what really has his full attention, but noted she will also be a defensive presence.

Small's athleticism and speed will serve her well at the forward position. If needed, Small will also be able to step in as a backup keeper.

Young will fill in at the forward position.

"Michelle is a tiny, petite little thing and her strength is her finesse," said Goertzen. "She's got great ball skills and her ability to distribute, cross and finish the ball will be key for us."

Coach Goertzen is looking forward to the season ahead and told The Nugget he feels the team will be somewhere in the middle of league play.

The girls soccer program added a new face to their coaching staff this year. Scott McAllister (Zoey McAllister's dad) will take on the role as the JV coach. McAllister has been involved in youth soccer in Sisters for many years and is a welcome addition to the program.

The girls soccer team will kick off their season with a jamboree at Philomath on Friday, August 29.