Five soccer players to watch

Published 11:10 pm Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Melissa von der Hofen

Senior Forward

Archbishop Murphy

As a junior, von der Hofen was named Cascade Conference Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-State as she scored 17 goals and tallied 12 assists. An Eastern Washington soccer recruit, she returns to lead a Wildcats team that won the 2A state championship in 2006 and went 22-1 in advancing to the semifinals in 2007.

“She’s always been a confident, good player with her work ethic in practice,” Murphy coach Dick Henderson said. “She’s very focused and working to lead this team as a senior and a co-captain.”

Caroline Towles

Senior Goalkeeper Shorecrest

Towles, who will be a captain for the Scots this season, was named to the Wesco South first team at goalkeeper last season. She recorded eight shutouts and returns to lead a Scots team that hopes to improve on its 2007 season-ending loss to Sedro-Woolley at the 3A District 1 Tournament.

“She’s raring to go,” said Shorecrest coach Mindy Dalziel. “Caroline is an amazing athlete and brings a ton to the soccer field. She’s the most talented girl goalie I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach.”

Louise Albin

Senior Defender Shorewood

Albin, an All-Wesco South selection the past two seasons, has verbally committed to the University of Washington. She added five goals and an assist for the Thunderbirds who lost in the first round of the district tournament in 2007.

“She is healthy and leading this team,” Shorewood coach Nathan Davis said in an email.

Kristen Allen

Senior Midfielder Arlington

Allen, an All-Wesco North first teamer last season at midfield, scored three goals and had an assist last season. She returns to captain an Arlington squad that lost in the district tournament last season.

“She is an awesome player to watch, especially in the air,” Arlington coach Nathan Davis said in an email. “This year she is a captain and an excellent leader. I am looking for big things from her especially on set pieces and corners.”

Juliet Desmarais

Senior Forward Snohomish

The All-Wesco first teamer had a pair of big assists in the Panthers’ 2-1 state tournament first-round victory against Gig Harbor last season. Snohomish will rely on her after losing fellow All-Wesco first team players Ashley Tombelaine (ACL injury) and Brooke Gilbert (attending Glacier Peak).