ATM girls looking for challenges

Published 9:59 am Friday, February 22, 2008

With half the season done and half to go, the Archbishop Thomas Murphy girls soccer team has a half-full, half-empty cup to study.

The half full cup belongs to a soccer team that is undefeated going into the second half of the season, having given up just one goal so far.

The half empty cup belongs to a soccer team that wishes it could test its mettle against some of the tougher schools south of the King County line.

While north end teams can be formidable opponents, teams to the south provide a tremendous challenge.

“It would be nice if we could play games in Seattle to get a flavor for how the season looks,” Wildcats coach Pat Jack said. “It’s hard to tell how the other leagues are doing.”

Jack said that with just four opponents in the Northwest A League, and a schedule that pits the Wildcats against each team three times, there is little room for chances at the Seattle schools.

“The Seattle teams are stronger,” Jack said, acknowledging that the road to the state tournament is definitely south of Archbishop Murphy High School. “I’d like to see how they’re doing and how we’re doing.”

Still, with this week’s matchup against Cedar Park Christian, Jack feels that her girls will get a glimpse of what the state tournament may look like. Cedar Park and Bush (also on the upcoming schedule) both were the two top teams at the state tournament last year, where the Wildcats finished third.

“I don’t think that there’s any question that we’re the league champions,” Jack said. “We haven’t lost any, and we’ve played everyone once. Our closest game was 5-0.”

Jack said that sophomore striker Kat Taylor leads the pack with scoring, although senior Lindsay Shandera has been scoring more since she has been moved to a more offensive role.

Jack describes sweeper Brenna Rice as the glue that holds her defense together.

“My midfield and defense are very strong,” Jack said.

The midfield has considerable depth and youth, while the more experienced players (mostly juniors and seniors) comprise the defense.

“(Goalkeeper) Lindsay Krell hasn’t allowed a score all season,” Jack said. “But then she hasn’t had a lot of shots on her either.

“She only has two or three shots per game.”

Jack had glowing reviews for many of the other players on the team. Casey Hammond, at left wing, is described as having a “great cross,” while center-midfielder Caitlin Warnock is the “workhorse in the middle.”

“Theresa Mathias is our stopper,” Jack said. “She has a strong foot, a strong leg, and she’s very aggressive.”

Michelle Linscott is the team’s “utility player,” according to Jack.

“She can play all positions, she’s very versatile,” Jack added.

The double-team of defenders Danielle Shandera and Rachel Ogle provide a solid bulwark for the Wildcats.

“They’re probably the reason why we haven’t been scored against all season,” Jack said. “The one goal that was scored against us this season was when they were not in.”

On the topic of the lone goal scored against the Wildcats this season, Jack said she wasn’t worried when it happened.

She had substituted several freshmen and various other junior varsity players after her team had amassed a substantial lead in a game.

With nine games down and seven to go, the Wildcats sit at the top of their league. While it is unlikely that the team can remain impregnable forever, Jack seems confident that her girls can go all the way to the state tournament.

“In the postseason we have to get through the Tri-districts, then the state tournament,” Jack said. “They will be tough.”