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FRIDAY HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER |
RELATED PAGES2007-2008 Girls Soccer Schedule and Stories LAST SEASON FHHS 2006-2007 Girls Soccer stories | |
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The Lady Wolverine’s Soccer Season in Review:By Coach Mark Fishaut posted 11/03/2007
Youth, as the team was overwhelmingly made up of freshmen and sophomores. Challenge, as most of the competition, especially at the higher levels were almost all filled with experienced upper classmen Opportunity, as we coaches has a splendid group of young women to train for several years to come. All seasons have highs and lows and this year was no exception. The highlights however are far more numerous than the disappointments. Outstanding competition took place between Friday harbor and perennial foe La Conner with the 2-1 victory and 4-5 loss being the finest and fiercest matches in some time. Although the playoff loss to Lynden Christian was again a frustration, the improvement of the girls’ play over the course of a year was remarkable. The test of a squad’s character is its ability to overcome adversity. The Wolverines were able to several occasions to come back from lackluster performances with splendid victories. The most serious moment came after keeper Hannah Snow’s freak accident at Concrete. Such was the occasion that lesser sides would have fallen apart. Instead these women won that game in overtime and played with all the greater skill and passion for the remainder of their games. 54 shots found the back of the net in 2007. Scoring came on volleys, tap ins, breakaways, set plays and penalty kicks. Most satisfying was the completion of 9 corners, far exceeding the total of the preceding 3 seasons combined. A very inexperienced set of defenders gradually found themselves and became an excellent back line. They will certainly be ready for 2008. In addition to their play, the team remained committed to promoting breast cancer awareness. The community should be proud of this group who has learned than what they are part of is more than a game.
The PLAYERS: Ware, a stopper/defender, now became the attacking center mid. She too was unsure of herself at first but quickly became the engine of the offense, scoring prolifically and setting up opportunities for others. Captain Amanda Root was unable to play the first half of the season but this did not keep her from practicing with intensity and demonstrating tremendous off field leadership. This was carried through onto the field where she played wherever she was asked, be it defender, striker, or goal keeper. Our team was graced with two Scandinavian exchange students this fall. Anna Gunnarrson from Sweden played defense with enthusiasm but saw limited play time due to chronic knee problems. She contributed warmth, humor, and dedication on the sidelines that was appreciated by all. Norwegian Charlotte Nygaard brought skill and creativity and served as a model for what an experienced player can be. Her technique was seasoned, her shot thunderous, and her skills often magical. Junior Ingrid Carlson is far stronger than last season and she had but limited play time in 2007 will assuredly contribute as a senior in 2008. at outside mid. Captain Whitney Porter initially split her time between sweeper and forward, but with the development of the young defense, was able to work her magic at striker and finally achieved her hat trick against Concrete. In addition, she fulfilled the expectations placed on her as a leader. She will be up top again in 2008. Sophomore Hannah Snow continues to impress in goal. She is approaching college level skill and understanding of the position and was sailing smoothly along until her season ending injury. The pressure was placed on back up Lola Elford who had not at all expected to find herself between the uprights this season. She responded with skill and grace which is a reflection of her maturity. Lauren Zander’s game matured rapidly this season, capped off with her overtime game winning goal against Concrete. Shelby Ness’s scoring was not as prolific as in 2006 but she developed into a better player, playing with a new found intensity and commitment. Alex MacDonald made a huge leap in confidence, moving from “I can’” to “I will” and her play improved in accord with this positive mindset. She may well replace Fyrqvist at inside midfield next season. Faby Bell was not ready in 2006 to assume the sweeper’s role. This year, timidity and tentativeness gave way to coolness and power under fire. She now owns the central defender position that should be hers through 2009. Freshman Clara Brand began the season as a backup striker but more and more earned her way into the starting line up where she is likely to remain in 2008. Maddie McPadden’s challenge was to allow her skills to overcome her on field timidity, which gradually occurred. She was rewarded with a fine goal against North Sound Christian. Megan Goudie came along nicely sharing outside midfield with several players, scoring once against Concrete. She will undoubtedly have a more active role next season. Newcomer Hannah Eshelman had never played soccer before this year but with hard work and tenacity earned some play time. She too was rewarded with a goal against Mount Vernon Christian. Maggie Andersen and Hannah Starr debuted as wing defenders .Maggie overcame the jitters of playing at an unfamiliar spot and could be counted upon to dependably tackle and clear with power. One would not have known that Starr was a novice defender. She took to the position naturally and played at a senior level. Finally, Elle Guard assumed a starter’s role early on, migrating from forward to outside midfield. Her speed and skill make it likely that she will assume Ware’s role at field general at center mid next fall. We wish our departing seniors farewell and good luck. Each in her way has contributed so much to this program. The majority of the team returns in 2008, ready to move to the next level of play. One almost wishes that the season began tomorrow!
Mark Fishaut, Coach |
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SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
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