Overlake School girls are set to strike | Fall soccer preview

For head coach Sally Goodspeed and the strong Overlake girls’ soccer program, the 2011 season represents one more chance at state glory. After coming off heartbreaking back-to-back losses in the 1A state finals to Seattle Academy (2-1 in 2009) and Bush (1-0 in 2010), the Owls have reloaded and are ready to start the long journey back to Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.

By Tim Watanabe • September 8, 2011 7:27 pm
The Overlake School girls’ soccer coach Sally Goodspeed addresses her team during a recent practice. Goodspeed has guided the Owls to two consecutive state finals berths. 'We’re already working really hard
The Overlake School girls’ soccer coach Sally Goodspeed addresses her team during a recent practice. Goodspeed has guided the Owls to two consecutive state finals berths. 'We’re already working really hard

For head coach Sally Goodspeed and the strong Overlake girls’ soccer program, the 2011 season represents one more chance at state glory.

After coming off heartbreaking back-to-back losses in the 1A state finals to Seattle Academy (2-1 in 2009) and Bush (1-0 in 2010), the Owls have reloaded and are ready to start the long journey back to Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.

Goodspeed, however, is never one to put the proverbial cart before the horse.

“I preach one day, one game, one practice at a time,” she said. “You get to the state finals by doing all the little things every day and setting goals… if we can finish in the top of the league again and contend with (Seattle Academy) for the title which they seem to own every year, then we will put ourselves in a good position to have that shot. That’s all we can ask for.”

 

A LOADED LINEUP

Although they lost an all-league talent in midfielder Emily Kelly to graduation as well as a couple more impact players, the Owls were fortunate to get two players back on the team that were part of the squad’s 2009 run. Tess Edenholm, who will anchor the midfield, and versatile Kendall Berg, who can play middle and back, didn’t play last year, but will be big contributors this year.

“She’s a good defender and we’re finding a home for her,” said Goodspeed of Berg. “We return pretty much our entire defensive line, led by Kelsey D’Ewart, a junior, and Meredith Adams as well. (Adams) was dominant, a rookie of the year in the league. I expect good stuff from both of them again.”

Up front, the Owls have a dangerous striker in Adrianna Gildner, who achieved the rare feat of leading the team in both goals and assists last season.

“She’s a year stronger and a year better,” noted the ninth-year coach. “I see her having another great year up front for us.”Kerri Smith

With one of the two senior captains’ slots taken by Berg, the other belongs to Kerri Smith (right), a phenomenal athlete who was named to the prestigious All-State first team for Girls’ Division II lacrosse.

“Kerri Smith is a great kid, great leader, works really hard and is really coming into her own as a soccer player,” lauded Goodspeed. “She’s a heck of a lacrosse player, and does a great job there, and it’s really carrying over into soccer which is nice to see.”

And for the first time in Goodspeed’s tenure, the program has depth at the goalkeeper position. Zoe Pinczower, last year’s starter, will share time with a talented freshman in Catherine Cunningham. Both of them possess the ability to play on the field as well — “a good problem to have,” according to Goodspeed.

Having played together for many years up through middle school and club teams, the players cite flexibility and cohesiveness as the squad’s primary strengths.

“We know how each other plays, so the flow of our game is pretty good,” Smith said.

Added Berg, “Everyone’s pretty versatile, I think. We can play wherever we need to be.”

 

EMERALD CITY CHALLENGE

Looking at the list of teams in the Owls’ league, 1A Emerald City, it’s no wonder that they always seem to shine come the postseason.

With the two reigning state champions in Seattle Academy and Bush, along with perennial power Cedar Park Christian and a strong University Prep program, no game is ever taken for granted.

“There’s no weak team or weak game in our schedule, ever,” Goodspeed admitted. “If we’re fortunate enough to make it to the playoffs, we will definitely be prepared, no question, and that’s a good thing. It’s an advantage for us, assuming we stay healthy and do well enough to earn one of the coveted playoff spots.”

While Bush graduated nearly all of their talent from their 2010 state-championship team, the Cardinals have reloaded, and the Eagles, Pumas and even Northwest School will provide a worthy challenge this year.

Even with Goodspeed’s “one day at a time” mantra, the kids are undoubtedly looking forward to getting another chance at redemption, especially for the team’s few seniors who look to prove that the third time is indeed the charm.

“We’re already working really hard, but I don’t think any of us are willing to get second again,” Smith said. “We’re just going to step it up that much more.”