Girls soccer midseason report

Nationally ranked B-CC is working hard at perfection

by Jennifer Beekman | Staff Writer
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008

Eighth-year Bethesda-Chevy Chase coach Rob Kurtz has yelled at his charges more in the past week than he has all year, possibly ever. It's not that they're playing poorly; BCC is 8-0-0, three games away from its second-straight undefeated regular season, and has outscored its opponents, 54-4.

But the Barons, No. 13 in this week's National Soccer Coaches Association of America Region IV high-school rankings, are still reeling from last year's penalty-kick loss to Urbana in the Class 3A West Region final. As this year's postseason approaches, Kurtz wants to make sure they're ready for every possible situation.

"This group is doing things at a phenomenal rate, but we know there are tougher teams out there," Kurtz said. "My job is to keep the girls focused. We're 8-0 but we can't think we're that good. I probably say things I shouldn't say; I nitpick. But that's how you make sure you're as prepared as you can be."

Most high school teams have one or two standouts. B-CC certainly has that: senior leading scorer Hannah Cooper (17 goals), U-15 U.S. National Team-member Alex Doll (7) and Victoria Gersh (5). But what really separates the Barons is their depth. Kurtz plays 17 girls with confidence. And there's not much drop-off.

B-CC isn't the only team gearing up for a strong postseason run. Blair (10-0-0), Whitman (7-1-1), Quince Orchard (6-2-0), Walter Johnson (8-2-0) and Poolesville (6-2-0) have all been strong in 2008.

Blair reached its first Class 4A West Region semifinal in 2004. It hasn't been back since, and lost in last year's quarterfinals. But the Blazers have already locked up their first division title since 1998. And, led by sophomore forward Sofie Read (12) up top and senior Annie Worden and freshman Jamie Kator in the middle, boast one of the strongest attacks in the county.

"This is probably the strongest team Blair ever put on the field," Blazers coach Bob Gibb said. "The good thing about being undefeated is it gives you confidence. The girls now feel like they can pull games out. They don't get nervous about losing."

Walter Johnson fell to Quince Orchard 3-2 in last year's regional final. With U-17 U.S. National Team player Caroline Miller, who's verbally committed to play at University of Virginia in 2009, up top, the Wildcats are always dangerous.

Whitman may be young, but it has proven to be a strong contender. It will play Walter Johnson Saturday for the Montgomery 4A West title. The Vikings are powered by speed, and smart and efficient passing combinations. Led by sophomore leading scorer Lucy Arledge (5), seniors Meaghan Doherty, Alex Berg and Retha Koefoed and sophomore goalie Hannah Meyer, Whitman has outscored its opponents 19-5, including four shutouts.

Defending Class 4A state champion Quince Orchard is always a threat. The Cougars thrive off a balanced attack helmed by Leah Prentice (6), Ele Margelos (6), Yvonne Latour (5) and Kayla Clarke (2 goals, 5 assists).

Wootton (5-3-1), Blake (6-2-1), Sherwood (3-5-0), Northwest (5-4-1), Damascus (4-3-0) and Clarksburg (4-3-0) have all had their moments in 2008 too and will look to peak as playoffs near.

Girls soccer 2008

Top teams: Bethesda-Chevy Chase (8-0-0), Blair (10-0-0)

Best offense: B-CC. The Barons have scored a county-high 54 goals, have nine players who have scored at least twice and six who have tallied four or more.

Best defense: B-CC has also shut out six of its eight opponents and has given up just four total goals, none since Sept. 19.

Pleasant surprise (individual): Sofie Read, Blair. The sophomore has exploded as the Blazers' lone striker with a team-high 12 goals, helping Blair to its first division title since 1998.

Pleasant surprise (team): Whitman. Despite their youth, the Vikings have bounced back from last year's 8-7-0 campaign with a 7-1-0 start, and will play Walter Johnson Saturday for the Montgomery 4A West Division title.

Playoff darkhorse: Quince Orchard (6-2-0). The defending Class 4A state champion hasn't been dominant in 2008, but boasts a balanced attack capable of knocking anyone off.