U-Hi, CV Set Goals In Soccer

GSL soccer

A year ago, a young University High girls soccer team came within a game of reaching the state playoffs.

Injuries beset Central Valley and cost the Bears their season.

This year, both teams are a blend of veterans and promising youngsters who are preparing for the upcoming Greater Spokane League season.

Five of the players, four at CV, come off the same 14-U Premier 2 Spokane Valley Flash.

All but two players from University return and coach Brandon Deyarmin expects good things, despite the fact the Titans still have only three seniors on the team.

“With the heart of the team back, I think anything’s possible,” he said.

New Central Valley coach Craig Griffiths played during the Bears glory years in the sport. It’s his aim to get his team back in the playoffs.

“If the offense kicks in,” he said, “I think we could be a contender.”

The league includes non-league encounters early, followed by a nine-game counting slate that will determine five playoff teams.

Two of those will qualify for state.

Titans focus on state challenge

With 13 players back from a second-place GSL team, U-Hi will again be among the favorites.

“I think we’re more focused,” said Deyarmin of his charges. “They know what the goal is.”

Seniors are, midfield/defenders Elisabeth Gay, Leah Brereton and Juliana Koehler.

Although the team’s leading scorer, Sara Streufert, has graduated, the team has firepower in juniors Casey Lektorich and Megan Black, sophomore Heather Sale and junior Alicia Crowe.

Lektorich is coming off an injury that cost her most of last season.

Junior midfielders are veterans Danielle Nichols, Sara Nelson, Kayleen Parker and newcomer Jodi Schab. Julie Schroeder returns on defense.

Sophomores Megan Owen and Shoni Trickle are back defensively and in goal, respectively.

New to the team are Valley Christian sophomore Katie Arnold on defense, and freshman Kara Jordan, a midfielder/defender who plays for the Flash.

“Our emphasis is on possession soccer,” said Deyarmin, “two and three-touch passing. They are used to that. All are from good club teams which makes my job easier.”

Bears a blend of old and new

Griffiths is part of a blend of old and new hoping to return CV to playoff contention.

A 1991 CV graduate, Griffiths assisted former coach Howard Woollett.

He returns nine players from last year’s team who will be joined by seven freshmen and sophomores.

“We have more depth than in the past,” said Griffiths. “This freshman class is the biggest we’ve had and they are a very talented group.

Unfortunately, the team has been hit with another major injury again this year.

Second team all-GSL midfielder Shea Donaldson tore a knee ligament playing club ball and won’t play.

That puts more pressure on veteran Lindsey Shoquist in midfield.

Other seniors include returning defenders Andee Schock, Janna Usher, midfielder Courtney Phinney and fullback Shauna Smith, plus newcomer defender Amy Pollock.

Lone junior is goal keeper Tasha Opsal. Sophomore midfielder/ fullbacks Corinne Gannon, from the Flash, and Angie Foedisch return as does defender Jill Ebelt.

Newcomers are sophomore defender Aimee Giroux and midfielder Rebbecca Kochendorfer, freshmen Raeanna Jewell, Michelle Tidd, Jamie Danelo, all from the Flash, and Marissa Hatcher.

“We’ll be in the mid-pack fighting for playoff position,” said Griffith. “I believe you win with defense and we should be solid. It depends on how we do with the offensive attack.”

, DataTimes