EVERETT – Some soccer coaches are obsessed with keeping detailed statistics.
Every shot.
Every goal.
Every sneeze.
On the other end of the spectrum is Pat Jack.
Jack, the longtime head coach of the Archbishop Murphy High School girls soccer team, was asked after a practice how many goals one of her top returning players, Andrea Gaitan, scored last season.
To Jack, the question was a pesky gnat. She shrugged, shook her head and effectively swatted it away.
Keeping track of individual stats, Jack said, can divert focus from what really matters: the team.
It’s tough to argue with Jack. Her Wildcats program has achieved an enviable level of consistent success.
Consider this: Last year Archbishop Murphy advanced to the state semifinals for the fifth consecutive season (three times in Class 1A/B and twice in 2A). The Wildcats have placed third in state three times and second twice since 2001.
But the Wildcats, who graduated just three seniors, haven’t yet won it all.
Could this be the season?
“Who knows?” said Jack. “Every year we could possibly make it. If everybody stays healthy (more on that below) and with just a little luck, we could make it. We’re certainly gonna try.”
In other words, it’s too early to say. Besides, Archbishop Murphy has plenty of immediate challenges to tackle before it worries about chasing an elusive state-championship trophy.
Many of Archbishop Murphy’s top offensive players are back, including junior Emma Nelson (12 goals), senior Gaitan (13 goals) and sophomore Melissa VonderHofen (13 goals). Versatile senior Caroline Robinson also returns.
The Wildcats were expected to return their entire defense, but injuries knocked out their top two goalkeepers: senior Lauren Jelinek (broken leg) and freshman Alexa Hughes (hip). Jelinek, an All-Cascade Conference first-team selection, will miss the whole season, and Hughes probably won’t be back either, Jack said.
Four untested players, two freshmen, a sophomore and a junior, are vying for the spot. “We’re training ‘em every day,” Jack said, “but I don’t know. Each one has their strong points and their weak points.”
As junior defender Casey Gould said, “We’re fishin’ for a goalie.”
After never missing a soccer game in her life, Nelson is recovering from a foot stress fracture, though she could return within a few weeks. The three-year starter underwent surgery in May and said she can’t wait to get in shape and on the field. She emerged as one of the conference’s best midfielders last season.
Archbishop Murphy, a Class 1A-size school that opted up to the 2A level after statewide reclassification, competes in the revamped 2A/1A Cascade Conference that includes new member King’s of Shoreline (1A). King’s is a first-year program expected to be solid under Nicole Gabelein, a three-time NAIA All-American who played professionally from 1994-1995.
Cedarcrest lost key players but should be strong again, Jack said. The Red Wolves beat Archbishop Murphy twice last year and placed third in 3A before dropping to 2A. “They’re always a very strong team and I hope we can take them this year,” Jack said.
Archbishop Murphy is one of the smallest 2A schools in the state, Jack said, and in the postseason it could face teams like Tumwater or Burlington-Edison, 3A state qualifiers who dropped to 2A.
“We’re in a new position,” junior defender Aleigh Mansfield said, “but that shouldn’t matter because we have good players.”
Success is the norm for Archbishop Murphy and, despite injuries and other challenges, the ‘06 Wildcats plan to continue the tradition. “We’re trying to set our goals now so that we know what we’re working toward,” Nelson said.
“Everyone’s gonna be on the same page by the time the (postseason) comes around,” said Mansfield.
“It should be a good year,” Mansfield added. “It should be one to watch.”
Mike Cane writes for The Herald in Everett.
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