ETV News stock photo by Jeff Barrett
There is a lot of excitement around the pitch for the Lady Dinos this season. They bring back a number of experienced players, including six seniors that have played all four years with the squad. That continuity is something all teams across all sports covet. The cherry on top is that they are spread throughout the field and anchor the team at every level, including forwards, midfielders, defenders and goalie.
“We have a big group of returning seniors, a lot of our team stayed the same [from last year],” began Cynthia Lancaster. “And a really good group of incoming freshman that will help us a lot.”
The freshman class is well versed and provides a lot of talent, which has head coaches Lancaster and Amber Smith enthusiastic as well. The challenge will be getting the young group up to speed and accustomed to the variety level. “We’ve got to get the freshman more experience,” commented Lancaster.
Smith added, “As a team, we need to improve our speed of play. I want our girls to play faster, think faster. We have some smaller girls, including freshman, that need to be more physical.”
Carbon soccer is at its best when possession is high and passes are crisp, and this year will be no different. Lancaster reiterated, “If we are going to succeed, it will be through our passing and movement through the middle.”
The Dinos have their sights set high with their combination of experience and talented youth. “We have the ability to take first in region,” said Lancaster. On top of a region title, Carbon has also set a goal of reaching the semifinals in the state tournament.
“I’m excited for this year,” Smith concluded. “We have girls that have played their whole lives coming up as freshman and then so much senior experience. Once we combine this talent, we will have a fantastic team.”