Conference titles have become the norm for Glendale’s girls soccer program.
Last spring, the team didn’t disappoint, finishing 9-0 in the Ozark Conference and 15-7 overall. Unfortunately, a golden goal scored by Rolla in the district championship game ended Glendale’s season.
“We played a great schedule last year and the kids responded well to the competition,” said Glendale coach Jeff Rogers, who started the girls soccer program at the school in 1996.
This spring, Glendale will compete with a roster full of youth. Household soccer names like Cline, Brewer, Opfer, and Lierz are no more. The Falcons will need young players to make an impact.
“We have graduated out some of the most talented female athletes in the state the last several years,” Rogers said. “These athletes include players who earned All-Midwest honors, All-State selections, and state player of the year honorees. We will need younger players to step up and leave their mark like these ladies did on the area and our program.”
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With a young roster, Rogers will count on the play and leadership of the few upperclassmen he does have to set the tone for the rest of the team. The trio of Emma Bunselmeyer, Kate Arthur, and Kristin Knetzer will be big pieces for Glendale this season.
Bunselmeyer, a defender, has committed to play collegiately next year at Drury University. Arthur is also a defender, while Knetzer will play more in the midfield or go up top.
“Emma is a fierce competitor and is vocal in organizing our defense,” Rogers said. “Kate is strong in the air and sees the field well going forward in the attack. Kristin is great in the open field, and we will need her to score some goals for us this season.”
Glendale will also depend on the play of its newcomers. Sophomores Marissa Bannigan and Alison Hawkins will play outside, while senior Keaira Clancy and sophomore Mary Powell will help defensively. Freshman Brooke Briscoe could also make an impact right away. “She has all the tools to make teams pay attention,” Rogers said.
Expectations are always high for Glendale soccer, and to meet those expectations, Rogers knows his team’s health is key.
“The key for all programs is to keep the kids healthy,” he said. “It will be imperative for us as we are not very deep on the bench. Our girls will need to improve each game, regardless of the results. We always use the season to play the best teams we can and prepare for postseason. This season will be the same.”
