Strong on offense

Don’t ask Lindsey Moles about that “D” word.

“Defense?” the senior forward asked, her arched eyebrow adding an unspoken “What’s that?” to the question.

The East Valley soccer team has played solid team defense this season, and with three games remaining in the regular season, the Knights are 4-3 in the Greater Spokane League and are second among the league’s Class 3A division behind Mt. Spokane.

The Knights blanked University, 1-0, early in the year and knocked off Ferris last week in a shootout after playing the Saxons to a scoreless draw through regulation.

First-year coach Andres Monrroy has the team looking to attack at all times.

“I like to focus on playing offense,” Moles admitted. “Our coach is always talking to us about pushing the ball forward and attacking. I like it that way.”

A senior veteran, Moles uses her memory to get an edge against her opponents.

“I remember how defenders like to play and how goalkeepers like to defend,” she said. “I remember whether or not they are good in the air or good on the ground, so I know whether to go high or stay low on a shot.”

While many players look to club soccer to hone their game, Moles prefers to play in an indoor, co-ed adult league to improve her offensive skills.

“That’s what I love about the indoor game,” she said. “It’s all about offense. You have to have your offensive moves down and you can just attack. With the wall, you don’t even need a teammate to pass to – you can pass to yourself.

“I miss the wall.”

Moles takes a great deal of satisfaction from the fact that her indoor goals often come at the expense of male defenders.

“I really like it when that happens,” she said. “Then again, they’re older guys, so they may be slowing down a little.”

Moles, herself, is hobbling a little.

She’s awaiting word about an injured foot that has been slow to heal.

“I injured it against Mt. Spokane,” she said. “I went to kick the ball and missed, kicking the defender on the shin. I thought it was a bruise, but it hasn’t healed. I had it checked and I’m waiting to hear back.

“I’ve been taping it up. For the Ferris game, I broke down and had the trainer tape it for me and that really helped. I couldn’t feel it at all.”

Moles wouldn’t have missed that Ferris game – a high-point for her senior season.

“Beating them was big,” she said. “They’d just beaten Gonzaga Prep, and Prep had pretty well dominated us. So beating them was really big.

“But it came down to a shootout and I hate shootouts – they’re so nerve-racking.”

Senior goalkeeper Hannah Krogseth’s save sealed the victory.

“That’s what was so great about that win,” Moles said. “I was a little nervous going in because our goalkeeper is new this year. But this gives us plenty of confidence going forward.”

A year ago, the Knights were one of the GSL’s youngest teams, with a host of freshmen filling key positions on the varsity.

This year, East Valley has just one new player from a year ago, making them a veteran group.

But with a key difference: Monrroy, who has put a good deal of responsibility on Moles and her senior teammates’ shoulders.

“I think he was a little nervous coming in and having 18 girls playing for him,” she said. “He puts a lot of responsibility on the seniors. I like that.”