Mount Si soccer team makes teamwork top priority | Fall Sports Update

Head coach: Sophie Rockow

Team captains: Seniors Mia Fowler and Olivia Henning, and junior Shelby Johnson.

Team seniors: Goalkeepers Renee Anderson and Calie Rose, defenders Olivia Henning and Maggie Gunning, midfielders Morgan O’Keefe and Mia Fowler, and forwards Trinity Wilson and Caitlin Hearn.

Last year: Despite a losing record last year, Rockow is confident building both the individual and team skill of the players and making teamwork the first priority.

“Last year didn’t go so great, our record was 1-11, not ideal, but this year we are focused a lot more on team cohesion and playing for each other,” she said. “Instead of just playing as 11 different players on the team we are playing as one unit now, which has been working much better.”

Rockow said they have already seen results with a stronger performance in their first game.

“This year we are focused a lot more on team cohesion and playing for each other,” said Rockow. “Instead of just playing as 11 different players on the team we are playing as one unit now, which has been working much better. In our first game we were looking really good. We just got pretty tired at the end, but the first half looked significantly better than we looked last year.

Team advantages: Cohesion, says Rockow. “We had a young team last year which has resulted in us having 15 returners this season, so we now have a team that knows how each other play and can play well together. Another thing we have going for us this season is the enthusiasm and drive from our athletes to play and play well this season. Last year was difficult, and with so many of our athletes this year being on that team last year, they want to improve on last year’s performance and are dedicated to the process of doing so.

“We are a team and program on the rise. These girls are dedicated to the process, and I could not be more proud of the work and effort they are putting into this season.”

Challenges ahead: Maintaining team cohesion established during preseason is the big challenge, Rockow said. “We want to make sure that when we are on the field we are not working as 11 individuals, but as one team unit.”

Last week’s weather conditions forced the team to practice inside, which Rockow said was not ideal, but “I believe that we put in the work during pre-season, so I do not believe that we have been affected as significantly as we could have been.”

Finally, the team is in a very competitive league, KingCo 4A.

“KingCo is a hard league, regardless of who you are.”

Don’t-miss game: Rockow and the team are looking forward to their rematch against Bothell on Saturday, Oct. 7. Bothell defeated Mount Si in their first game of the season and now the Wildcats want another chance.

“We just played them, lost 4-0, but it’s a team that is very competitive and we would love to beat them. It will be a great game to watch,” Rockow said.

2017-18 Mount Si Varsity Girls Soccer Schedule

Sat, Sep 16 Issaquah 7:30 pm at Issaquah High School

Tue, Sep 19 Woodinville 7:30 pm at Home

Sat, Sep 23 Newport 7:30 pm at Newport High School

Tue, Sep 26 Skyline 7:30 pm at Home

Thu, Sep 28 Eastlake 7:30 pm at Eastlake High School

Thu, Oct 5 North Creek 7:30 pm at Pop Keeney Stadium

Sat, Oct 7 Bothell 7:30 pm at Home

Tue, Oct 10 Inglemoor 5:30 pm at Pop Keeney Stadium

Thu, Oct 12 Issaquah 7:30 pm at Home

Tue, Oct 17 Woodinville 7:30 pm at Pop Keeney Stadium

Thu, Oct 19 Newport 7:30 pm at Home